Housing Instability: Observations in Canada

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When researchers analyzed housing in/stability in Canada and internationally, they have found several contributing factors. These include:

recurrent moving patterns of households
temporary housing tenure
affordability
housing adequacy
the presence of mold or pests

There is little consensus on what defines “housing instability”. Previous CMHC research on this subject was done over 10 years ago. The current research project gave us the opportunity to update the literature review and improve our understanding.

Our analysis found that there are complex factors involved in housing in/stability. We propose a definition of housing in/stability based on our findings. We also identify the effects of housing instability. This research focuses on populations that are vulnerable, especially low- or fixed-income households who move more often than those with higher incomes.

Author:: CMHC
Document Type:: PDF
Date Published:: January 31, 2023

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Key findings

The literature review showed the links between age, housing tenure and dwelling moves made by Canadians. Our analysis found that core housing need was a significant factor.
The population between the ages of 25 and 44 are the most frequent movers. This movement corresponds with household formation and growth, education or training completion and career advancement or changes.
Tenure type is a significant factor in individual and household displacement — market renters move much more frequently than owners.
Nationally, households in social and affordable housing move the least frequently compared to households in market rentals and households with portable housing benefits. This result may be due to tighter market conditions nationally, making it more difficult to find similarly affordable units. There is significant variability by province.
Households experiencing a mismatch between family size and the number of bedrooms also move more often than other households. The presence of mold or pests corresponds to increased moves, with the most movement seen in Québec and the Yukon.

Future research opportunities

This research relied on the Canada Housing Survey cycle 1 dataset for its analytical source. Cycle 2 of the survey provides more information about negative or forced moves, like evictions. Analyzing the cycle 2 dataset may provide additional insight into the links between evictions, demographic information and housing quality and suitability.
The data analysis is inconclusive about the reasons for recurring moves. Qualitative research could help fill the gaps in our knowledge about the lived experience of multiple moves. Questions that are not best answered in a closed-form survey could benefit from elaboration in interview and focus group settings.

Implications for the housing sector and housing policy

Regulate inadequate housing and enable access to suitable housing solutions to support greater housing stability.
Address affordability through multiple interventions to provide housing stability.
Invest in landlord/ tenant resolution services and establish an evictions database to track and identify issues in evictions and landlord/ tenant relations.