Bunk Buddies: The 4 Best Room Rentals in Ottawa
Saving money is great, especially when it comes to living accommodations. Thankfully, room rentals are inexpensive options that also let us enjoy benefits like the lack of maintenance costs and the ability to live in a premium spot.
However, finding a great rental room is hard on your own. If you’re in need of a room to live in close to your office or school, make sure to use these amazing room rental platforms that are available in Ottawa!
How much does it cost to rent a room in Ottawa?
The median rent price for a room in Ottawa is $950 per month. Please take note that this is based on records provided as of December 2023, and the price may be subject to change.
How We Chose
1. Zumper
Website: https://www.zumper.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zumperinc
Business hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM PT (MON-SUN)
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zumper.rentals&hl=en&gl=US
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zumper-apartment-finder/id678683201
Zumper is a rental platform service founded by Antheos Georgiades in 2011.
This platform allows users to search, screen, and apply for rental properties in most major cities in Canada and the US.
Their in-house search engine lets users set filters and receive quick notifications when an available property listing suits their preferences.
With their goal to make renting easily accessible and safe for their users, Zumper has introduced a couple of features, like real-time inventory updates, to ensure users will always see the newest rentals first.
Furthermore, they’re currently working with TransUnion to provide a credit score checking feature that allows renters to run a quick credit check and use it when applying for a rental property.
This feature also gives property owners an idea of how fiscally responsible an applicant is.
Pros
- In-depth search feature that notifies users when a preferred rental room is available
- Updates their inventory in real time
- Quick credit check feature
Cons
- Above-average prices
- Sometimes forgets to respond to calls and emails
Customer Reviews
Easily one of the best on this app store
“It’s simply a well put together rental app that is easily one of the best on this app store. I highly recommend using this app if you’re looking for a new place. I briefly used RentFaster, but for me, at least, the app is broken. So this is the best alternative there is.”
-Noah Hubelit, Play Store Reviews
It’s easy to use and the listing looks great
“Out of all the rental sites I posted my apartment to for lease zumper generated the most inquiries by far. It’s easy to use and the listing looks great. I have been able to secure a few great tenants by posting to zumper and I’ll continue to use the site. ”
-Stephanie N., G2 Reviews
2. Zillow
Address: Seattle, Washington, United States
Website: https://www.zillow.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zillow
Business hours:
5:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT (MON-FRI)
6:30 AM – 5:00 PM PT (SAT and SUN)
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zillow.android.zillowmap&hl=en_US
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/zillow-real-estate-rentals/id310738695
Zillow is an online platform for rental properties in the US and Canada.
Here, users can quickly search for rooms based on their preferences, like price, location, and amenities.
One of their key features is the Zestimate tool, which uses a property’s location, size, and other public data to provide an estimated market value. It helps users gauge whether a room they’re interested in is worth the asking price.
Furthermore, they also have the Premier Agent program, which connects users with top-rated local real estate agents who can help them buy, rent, or sell their properties.
Lastly, the Zillow app offers the 3D Home tool, which allows users to conduct a virtual tour of a room they’re interested in.
Pros
- The Zestimate tool calculates whether a property is worth the asking price
- The 3D virtual tour tool shows rooms in detail
- Can connect users with top-rated local real estate agents who can provide assistance when renting a room
Cons
- Few reports of slow loading times
- Has no phone support for Canadian users
Customer Reviews
I like how easy it is to search for property that meets my criteria
“I like how easy it is to search for property that meets my criteria and the way results are sorted. The 3D tour is also an excellent feature. It’s updated frequently. ”
-David C., G2 Reviews
Zillow is easy to use, a fast way of looking for and viewing properties
“Zillow is easy to use, a fast way of looking for and viewing properties and getting an estimate on values.
Additionally it’s useful for seeing price trends. Filters allow you to search areas and quickly see on the map where a property is located. The additional information available for each property, such as interior and exterio features, estimated taxes, walkability etc, is very useful. Comprehensive information for scouting properties. ”
-Derek S., G2 Reviews
3. Roomies.ca
Website: https://www.roomies.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roomiescom/
Play Store (myInspections): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.myrent.myInspections
App Store (myInspections): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/myinspections-app/id1625024239
Roomies.ca is a Canadian-based subsidiary of the popular room rental platform Roomies.com. Founded by Thomas Clement in 2016, this free online platform allows users to view hundreds of rooms for rent and find their ideal roommates.
With the help of their in-depth filter system, users can search for potential roommates based on their lifestyle preferences and factors such as pets, gender, smoking habits, and more.
People who are looking to rent out their rooms can also create their own personalised profiles to help renters know more about them and their preferences.
Furthermore, Roomies.ca also has a mobile app called myInspections designed to help both the landlord and their tenants keep track of the current status of a rental property. The app can create reports with detailed descriptions of a property’s condition with images, videos, and notes.
Pros
- Most features are accessible for free
- Has an app called myInspections that helps landlords and tenants keep track of a rental property’s current condition
- Has an in-depth filter system that allows users to search for potential roommates based on their personal preferences
Cons
- Has no phone support for Canadian users
- Few reports of rude behaviour from customer support staff
Customer Reviews
Easily the best site out there for roommates and rentals!
“Easily the best site out there for roommates and rentals! I’ve been using Roomies for a couple of years with a ton of success and hope they continue innovating their product.”
-Jordan Lindsay, Trustpilot Reviews
It was easy to navigate, respond and communicate with others
“I posted a room for rent and I’m new at this. It was easy to navigate, respond and communicate with others and see their profile as well.”
-Nancy Benitez-Fanslow, Trustpilot Reviews
4. RentFaster.ca
Address: 909 17th Ave SW, Calgary, AB, Canada, Alberta
Website: https://www.rentfaster.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rentfaster/
Business hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM MT (MON-FRI)
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.rentfaster.ca
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/rentfaster-ca/id507663846
RentFaster.ca is a Canadian online property platform founded by Mark Hawkins in 2003. Headquartered in Calgary, they provide users with a fast and reliable way to search for rental properties with the help of their comprehensive search engine.
One of the key features their search engine has is its “How Far To…” feature, which calculates the distances to schools, amenities, transit, and businesses from your preferred rental room.
Furthermore, to reduce the time renters have to spend filling out rent applications, RentFaster.ca has a mini-app where renters can input their personal details and produce an automated application form. Users can send this quickly to multiple property owners.
Their app also allows users to save listings and searches, so they can receive direct updates straight to their email on the current status of a rental room they applied to.
Pros
- Their search engine has the “How Far To…” feature so renters can immediately know if their rental room is near a community amenity
- Has a mini app where users can input their personal details and produce an automated application form
- App lets users save listings and searches so they can receive instant updates on the status of their preferred rental rooms
Cons
- Has received reports of their mobile app being unstable and prone to freezing
- May sometimes publish outdated listings
Customer Reviews
Best place to find a place to rent
“Best place to find a place to rent. The filters work well, and the application and everything. Highly recommended for both landlords and renters.”
-May Tai, Google Reviews
Very credible website and offers many resources at hand
“Always effective. This time I was able to find a tenant in record time as well. Have been using since 2006 – very credible website and offers many resources at hand. Highly recommend for either parties – whether you are looking for a place or are looking for a tenant.”
-Sean M, Google Reviews