Rental

A new report shows rental housing within northwestern Ontario to be unaffordable for many low-income residents.

The findings from the Canadian Rental Housing Index indicates low-income earners are spending between 48% and 49% of their income on rent and utilities each year.

The portion of income spent on housing decreases to as low as 11% in households earning $58,000 or more.

The report also identifies a shortage of rental units in the region.

Experts say that an additional 4% would be enough to accommodate local need.