What are the best platforms for finding accommodation (Kijiji, Rentfaster, etc.)?

Calgary offers a wide range of online platforms for finding rentals. Here is an overview of the most popular and effective resources:

1. RentFaster.ca

🔗 Official website

  • Advantages:
    • Largest database of listings in Calgary (includes apartments, houses, rooms).
  • Convenient filters: price, number of rooms, neighborhood, amenities.
  • Ability to view on a map.
  • Mostly professional listings from management companies.
  • Disadvantages:
  • Paid for landlords, which limits the number of private listings.

2. Kijiji

🔗 Official website

  • Advantages:
    • Free for landlords, so there are more private listings[.
  • Well suited for finding rooms or shared accommodation.
  • Disadvantages:
  • High risk of fraud due to lack of moderation[4].
  • Difficult to filter due to the large number of listings.

3. Zumper

🔗 Official website

  • Pros:
  • Interactive map with prices and available options.
  • Option to rent online and sign contracts digitally.
  • Cons:
    • Limited number of verified listings compared to RentFaster.

4. Liv.rent

🔗 Official website

  • Pros:
  • Manual verification of listings and landlords to prevent fraud.
    • Tools for signing contracts and paying rent online.
  • Disadvantages:
  • Less popular among landlords.

5. Facebook Marketplace/Groups

  • Advantages:
  • Free access to ads from private individuals.
    • Ability to communicate quickly via Messenger.
  • Disadvantages:
  • High risk of false listings.
  • No filters for detailed search.

Recommendations

  • For reliability: Use RentFaster or Liv.rent — their verification reduces the risk of fraud.
  • For budget options: Check Kijiji and Facebook, but always verify the landlord.
  • For students: Look for rooms through RentFaster (filter “Room for Rent”) or specialized Facebook groups.

Additional resources

  • RentSeeker.ca 🔗: Detailed information about neighborhoods, prices, and reviews.
  • Mainstreet Equity 🔗: Listings from professional management companies.

Important! Always review the contract before signing and inspect the property in person. Use services such as Trust Score on Liv.rent to verify landlords.