Barrie’s rental market is active and competitive, with a mix of apartments, condos, townhomes, and detached houses available for lease. Renters in Barrie find options ranging from smaller urban units near downtown to family-sized homes in established neighbourhoods. Demand has remained strong as more people choose Barrie for its lifestyle, proximity to Lake Simcoe, and reasonable commuting access to the GTA.
Rental costs vary significantly based on property type, size, and location in Barrie:
🛏️ Average Monthly Rents:
• Studio — around $1,300+
• 1-Bedroom — around $1,800–$2,000
• 2-Bedroom — around $1,900–$2,500
• 3-Bedroom — often $2,200–$3,000+ depending on features and location
Overall, average rent in Barrie is roughly $2,000/month
Barrie has a wide range of rental options, including:
📍 Downtown Barrie & Marina Bay — lively, walkable area near shops, restaurants, and waterfront trails.
📍 Painswick & Holly — popular with families and professionals seeking modern units and proximity to transit.
📍 Allandale & Sunnidale — established neighbourhoods with a mix of apartments and homes.
📍 South & North Barrie — quieter residential areas with more detached rentals and townhomes.
🏙️ Renters & Families — many residents renting while they search for a long-term home, relocate, or take advantage of Barrie’s amenities and outdoor lifestyle.
💼 Commuters & Remote Workers — renters who work in the GTA but enjoy Barrie’s lower cost of living and quality of life.
📈 Investors — purpose-built rental units, condos, and house rentals can generate income, though vacancy rates and rent control rules affect yields.
📈 Rental Demand Remains Strong — vacancy rates are historically tight, meaning well-priced rentals move quickly.
🏡 Work-from-Home Features Matter — larger units with dedicated office or multifunctional space are increasingly sought after.
🌿 Sustainability is Growing — renters show interest in eco-friendly buildings with energy-efficient features.
✔ Start Your Search Early: Availability changes fast, especially for family-sized units.
✔ Know Your Budget: Factor in utilities, parking, and seasonality.
✔ Check Rent Control Rules: Ontario’s guidelines vary by building age and type — newer units may be exempt.
✔ Be Prepared to Act Fast: Good rentals can receive multiple applications in days.
✔ Understand Local Demand: Family homes and quality condos remain in demand.
✔ Screen Tenants Carefully: A strong application process can prevent long-term tenant issues.
✔ Stay Up to Date on Regulations: Market conditions and rent rules can impact returns.
Yes — Barrie is one of the most popular rental markets in Simcoe County. Renters are drawn to the waterfront lifestyle, growing job market, schools, and easier commute compared to the GTA. The challenge? Good rentals don’t sit long.
Very. Well-priced rentals often receive multiple applications within days. Detached homes, townhomes, and 2–3 bedroom units are especially competitive.
💡 Gemma Tip: If you like it, don’t “sleep on it.” Someone else won’t.
Barrie offers a wide mix:
🏢 Purpose-built apartment buildings
🏙️ Condos (especially downtown & south Barrie)
🏡 Townhomes & detached houses (popular with families)
🏠 Basement apartments (budget-friendly but limited supply)
Yes — with exceptions.
✔ Units occupied before Nov 15, 2018 are rent-controlled
❌ Units first occupied after Nov 15, 2018 are not rent-controlled
This means some newer condos and homes can see larger rent increases.
👉 Always ask before signing the lease.
Most Barrie landlords ask for:
📄 Rental application
📊 Credit report
💰 Proof of income/employment
📞 References (past landlords or employers)
🆔 Government ID
Strong applications matter — even for great tenants.
No. In Ontario, landlords can only legally collect:
✔ First month’s rent
✔ Last month’s rent (deposit)
Key deposits and extra months up front are not allowed.
It depends:
🔥 Apartments may include heat & water
⚡ Houses and townhomes usually do not
🚗 Parking may or may not be included
Always confirm what’s included — surprises are never fun.
That depends on your timeline, finances, and lifestyle.
Many renters in Barrie eventually become buyers once they realize:
➡️ Rent increases over time
➡️ Mortgage payments can build equity
➡️ Ownership creates long-term stability
💬 This is a conversation — not a sales pitch.
Absolutely. Many of my buyers started as renters.
Renting can be a stepping stone — if you have a plan:
✔ Credit strategy
✔ Savings roadmap
✔ Timing the right market window
That’s where guidance matters.
I focus on education first.
If you’re renting because it makes sense right now — great.
If buying is your next chapter — I’ll help you plan it properly.
Whether you’re:
🏠 New to the area
🔑 Renting short-term
📈 Planning your first purchase
🏡 Exploring investment options
Let’s talk strategy — not just listings.
👉 Reach out anytime. I’m your local Barrie real estate resource.
In Ontario, the rent increase guideline for 2026 is set at 2.1%, meaning most landlords can only raise rent by up to 2.1% without special approval from the Landlord & Tenant Board. This cap applies to the majority of residential rental units occupied on or before November 15, 2018, including houses, apartments, condos and secondary suites — but newer units may be exempt and not subject to the guideline. Landlords must also provide at least 90 days written notice before the increase takes effect and can only increase rent once every 12 months.
💡 Want the full breakdown?
Check out my blog on 2026 rent increases in Ontario for how the guideline works, what exemptions exist, and rules around notices and above-guideline increases:
👉 https://gemmaleggett.ca/Blog/-2026-rent-increases-in-ontario