Saskatchewan renters are facing the steepest rent increases in the country for the fourth consecutive month, according to a new report, as homelessness continues to surge across the province.The latest rent report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation shows Saskatchewan's average rents climbed 3.9% from last year in June 2025, marking the highest year-over-year growth among all provinces.The rent spike comes as Saskatoon grapples with a dramatic increase in homelessness. A recent point-in-time count found at least 1,499 individuals experiencing houselessness in the city — nearly triple the 2022 figure."We hear from people nearly every hour of every day who can't make ends meet," said April ChiefCalf, Saskatchewan NDP shadow minister for housing. "We know the Sask Party refuses to act, to make more affordable housing available, to reverse horrible changes to income support programs, and more. This government refuses to even admit there is a problem.".The governing Saskatchewan Party has maintained that rent increases do not directly contribute to houselessness, a position ChiefCalf called "ridiculous" and an attempt by the government to "pass the buck.""We need a government that's focused on the future, one where every person in Saskatoon and across Saskatchewan has a safe and comfortable place to call home," ChiefCalf said.The NDP critic said her party will continue pressing the government to make life more affordable by building affordable housing and cutting taxes on groceries and children's clothing.Saskatchewan's persistent position atop national rent growth figures highlights the ongoing affordability crisis facing renters in the province as housing costs continue to outpace income growth.
