Calgary & Edmonton Rental Market - September 2026

As of the end of August 2026, the Alberta rental market has softened significantly. Average asking rents across the province are down 4.3% year-over-year, and both Calgary and Edmonton rank among the steepest annual declines in Canada’s six largest rental markets.

If your property is vacant, your renewal is coming up, or your pricing has not been reviewed in the last few weeks, this post is that review.

Quick Summary

·  Alberta average asking rents are down 4.3% year-over-year as of August 2026

·  Average 1 bedroom asking rents are $1,490/month in Calgary and $1,273/month in Edmonton

·  Edmonton’s decline accelerated over the summer, from -1.2% in May to -4.1% by August

·  Secondary suites and shared accommodation are the most pressured segment, down 6.3% provincially

· Vacancy periods of 45 to 75 days are now realistic if pricing is even slightly above current comparables

· Price reductions on renewals may be necessary to retain strong tenants and avoid turnover

Where do Alberta rents stand right now?

As of August 2026, the average asking rents across Calgary and Edmonton are as follows:

Unit Type	Calgary	Edmonton
1-Bedroom	$1,490/month	$1,273/month
2-Bedroom	$1,847/month	$1,625/month
3-Bedroom	$2,150/month	$1,925/month

What matters for landlords is not just the averages, but the direction and speed of change. Heading into fall, tenants have more options, decision timelines are longer, and units priced at 2024 or early 2025 levels are sitting. Competitively priced units are still moving, but the pricing window is tighter than it was even a few months ago.

To see how the fall market compares to spring, read our May Alberta Rental Market Update.

Why has Edmonton’s market shifted so fast?

When we published our May 2026 market update, Edmonton’s year-over-year decline was -1.2%, well behind Calgary’s -3.8% at the time. By August, Edmonton had accelerated to -4.1%, nearly closing that gap in a single summer.

More secondary suite supply, new purpose-built inventory, and motivated private landlords offering incentives have expanded what tenants can choose from. Calgary owners had roughly 18 months to adjust their pricing, and most did. Edmonton has been slower, and that lag is showing in the data now.

Edmonton rental prices in 2026 reflect a structural change, not a seasonal blip. Properties priced at 2024 levels are sitting. Competitively priced units are moving.

As your licensed Edmonton Property Management Team, we are telling Edmonton owners directly that this market will not self-correct upward in the near term. The practical move is to price for today’s demand and protect your annual cash flow.

Are secondary suites the hardest hit?

Yes, and the numbers are sharper than the headline figures suggest.

Shared accommodation rents across Alberta have fallen 6.3% year-over-year to an average of $805/month. Calgary has seen a 7.6% decline to $807/month. Edmonton is down 2.1% to $776/month.

In many Calgary areas, one-bedroom basement suites are now pricing below $1,000/month, a price point historically associated with smaller Alberta markets.

The cause is straightforward. Secondary suite supply has grown and now competes directly against purpose-built rental buildings offering lease incentives. Owners of standalone single-family homes without secondary suites are faring comparatively better, leasing faster with less severe price pressure.

If you own a secondary suite, a pricing review is not optional. You should be benchmarking against purpose-built alternatives in the same area, not just comparable suite listings. Our Legally Suited Property Management team can walk you through current comparables.

What are we seeing in our own listings?

Our inquiry data from the past 30 and 90 days shows where tenant demand is sitting right now.

City	Inquiries (Last 30 Days)	Inquiries (Last 90 Days)	Daily Avg (30-Day)
Calgary	86	591	2.9/day
Edmonton	153	500	5.1/day
Leduc	41	122	1.4/day
Total	280	1,213	9.3/day

What should Alberta landlords do right now?

The data is clear. The goal heading into fall 2026 is to reduce vacancy risk first, then optimize rent second.

Fall 2026 Action Checklist

·  Review your asking price against current August 2026 comparables, not last year’s data

·  Conduct a fresh pricing review if your property has been listed more than two weeks without a qualified applicant

·  Budget for 45 to 75 days on market if your unit is not priced competitively

·  Evaluate renewal pricing before your current lease expires, retaining a good tenant is cheaper than a vacancy and turnover cycle

·  Skip minor incentives, competitive pricing is what moves units right now

·  For secondary suites, benchmark against purpose-built alternatives in the same area, not just comparable suite listings

·  Contact our team for a rental evaluation and proposal, the summer shift caught many owners off guard

Frequently Asked Questions: Calgary and Edmonton rental market

What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Calgary as of August 2026?

As of August 2026, the average asking rent for a 1-bedroom unit in Calgary is $1,490 per month. If your unit is sitting, the fastest lever is pricing against current comparables, not last year’s peak.

What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Edmonton in 2026?

As of August 2026, the average asking rent for a 1-bedroom unit in Edmonton is $1,273 per month, down approximately 4.1% year-over-year. Edmonton’s rate of decline accelerated between May and August 2026, so owners should treat pricing as a current-market decision, not a seasonal wait-and-see.

How long should I expect my rental property to sit vacant in Alberta right now?

In the current Alberta rental market, vacancy periods of 45 to 75 days are realistic for properties that are not competitively priced. Competitively priced units are still moving, but tenant decision timelines have extended compared to 2024 and early 2025.

Should I hire a licensed property manager in a soft market?

Working with a licensed property management company carries more weight in a soft market than in a tight one. Accurate pricing, professional marketing, and thorough tenant screening are what separate a 30-day rental from a 75-day vacancy. For property owners in Calgary and Edmonton, those factors can be the difference between a stable year and a costly one.

Sources and notes

Published September 2026. Average asking rent data sourced from Rentals.ca National Rent Report (August 2026) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Inquiry and listing data sourced from AspirePeak Properties Ltd. internal records, September 2026. Figures represent averages and are subject to change.