What Are the Top Strategies for Minimizing Vacancy Rates in Ontario’s Rental Properties?

Vacancy rates are the silent profit killers of the rental world, and if you’re a landlord in Southern Ontario, you’ve probably felt the pinch. According to recent data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Toronto’s vacancy rate hit 3.5%, marking one of the highest spikes in over a decade. That might sound like a small number, but for property owners, it translates to weeks, or even months, of lost income. And in today’s competitive rental market, simply listing your property isn’t enough. Landlords need a game plan that goes beyond guesswork.

Whether you own a single condo in St. Catharines, a duplex in Hamilton, or a portfolio in Oakville, this guide will walk you through what you need to know to reduce turnover and keep your properties profitable.

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Who We Are: Golfi Property Management

We’re Golfi Property Management, and we proudly serve landlords across Southern Ontario, including:

• Hamilton: Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, and more

• Halton: Burlington, Oakville, Milton, etc.

• Niagara: St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Fort Erie

• Brantford: Paris, Mount Pleasant, Cainsville, and beyond

Our focus is on helping you succeed as a landlord—whether that means cutting vacancy times, managing tenant relationships, or handling every single detail on your behalf.

Why Do Vacancy Rates Matter So Much?

Let’s put it in simple terms. A vacant unit is a leaking pipe—it silently drains money, even when you’re not paying attention.

When your property sits empty:

• You still owe property taxes.

• You still pay for utilities (in many cases).

• You’re missing out on income that pays your mortgage.

Now multiply that by several units or over months of lost income. See how fast it adds up? That’s why cutting vacancy time is key to being a successful landlord in Ontario—especially with rising interest rates and shifting rental demand.

Top Strategies for Minimizing Vacancy Rates

Here’s what we’ve learned from years of managing hundreds of properties across Ontario. These strategies are tried-and-true—and they actually work.

1. Set the Right Rental Price From Day One

Setting your rent too high? You’ll scare off qualified tenants. Too low? You’ll attract high-risk renters or leave money on the table.

How to Get It Right:

• Compare local listings in your specific neighbourhood (not just your city).

• Use platforms like PadMapper, Rentals.ca, or Facebook Marketplace.

• Pay attention to rental trends in places like Niagara Falls or Milton—demand varies!

Pro Tip: We use hyper-local data to determine accurate rent pricing per property, street, and neighbourhood to avoid prolonged vacancies.

2. Optimize Your Listings with High-Quality Photos & Descriptions

People rent with their eyes first. If your listing doesn’t shine online, don’t expect foot traffic.

What Makes a Listing Pop?

• Professional-grade photos (no dark, blurry shots!)

• A detailed yet simple description with bullet points

• Keywords like “updated kitchen,” “in-unit laundry,” “close to transit”

We’ve seen properties rent 3x faster just by improving photos and adding a better listing copy.

3. Use Digital Marketing Tools to Reach the Right Audience

Don’t just post and pray. Use a strategy.

Where to market your rental:

• Facebook Marketplace

• Kijiji

• Realtor.ca (especially for high-end rentals)

• Targeted Google or Facebook Ads

At Golfi Property Management, we leverage these platforms daily to get in front of the right tenants quickly—before your unit sits vacant for weeks.

4. Screen Tenants Thoroughly—But Efficiently

Tenant screening is where many landlords slip up.

Our Screening Checklist Includes:

• Full credit checks

• Employment verification

• Previous landlord references

• Social media and digital footprint scan

Speed matters. Take too long, and great tenants move on. We screen within 24-48 hours, which is crucial in fast-paced markets like Burlington or Hamilton.

Practical Tips for Ontario Landlords

If you’re doing it alone, here are some quick wins:

• Offer virtual tours to out-of-town renters

• Keep listings updated with real-time availability

• Offer flexible move-in dates

• Add utilities or internet to the rent for convenience

• Respond to inquiries within an hour

Landlords who follow these steps see a dramatic drop in vacancy periods.

How Much Does It Cost to Minimize Vacancy?

Here’s a quick table to break it down:

You don’t have to spend a fortune—but strategic investment goes a long way.

Common Mistakes Landlords Make

Want to avoid long vacancies? Steer clear of these blunders:

• Overpricing the unit without checking market data

• Poor communication with interested tenants

• Neglecting repairs before showing the property

• Not responding to tenant inquiries fast enough

• Not hiring help when it’s clearly needed

These issues snowball fast. One mistake can cost you thousands in lost rent.

What Makes a Good Property Manager in Niagara and Beyond?

A great property manager is not just a middleman—they’re your partner in profit.

Here’s what to look for:

• Local expertise in areas like Niagara-on-the-Lake or Fort Erie

• Clear and fair tenant screening processes

• Proactive communication

• Transparent pricing

• Full-service solutions, not piecemeal

At Golfi Property Management, we check every one of those boxes.

Why Choose a Local Property Manager Like Us?

Let’s be real: Toronto companies don’t always understand what works in Welland, or what renters expect in Paris, Ontario.

Because we’re local, we:

• Know regional bylaws and zoning rules

• Understand tenant expectations in each neighborhood

• Have an existing network of reliable tradespeople

• Respond to emergencies within hours, not days

That’s the difference a local partner makes.

The Truth: Myths vs Facts About Minimizing Vacancy Rates

Conclusion

If you’re a landlord in Southern Ontario, your success depends on how well you can minimize vacancy rates. Every month your unit sits empty is money out the window. Whether you manage one rental or an entire portfolio, the key is preparation, pricing, marketing, and great tenant relationships.

We get it—this stuff is time-consuming. That’s where Golfi Property Management steps in. We live and breathe Ontario’s rental market, especially in regions like Hamilton, Niagara, Halton, and Brantford. Our job is to make sure your units stay filled with high-quality tenants, so you can focus on growing your investment—not stressing about it.

FAQs

1. What is a good vacancy rate for rental properties in Ontario?
A healthy vacancy rate typically ranges between 2-3%. Anything above that means you’re likely losing income unnecessarily.

2. How can I attract quality tenants quickly?
Use high-quality photos, competitive pricing, multiple online platforms, and respond fast. Quality listings attract quality tenants.

3. Should I hire a property management company in Niagara?
Absolutely—especially if you have more than one property or live out of town. Local property managers like us know the market better.

4. How long does it usually take to fill a vacancy?
It varies, but with proper strategy, you can fill a unit within 7-14 days, especially in well-connected neighborhoods.

5. What are the biggest mistakes landlords make when listing a rental?
Overpricing, poor photos, lack of details, and slow response time are the top culprits for extended vacancies.