House Owner in Brampton Offers Bed in the Kitchen for $350, Reflects GTA’s Housing Woes

The rental market in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is anticipated to remain sluggish in the early part of 2024, but this doesn’t equate to improved affordability, as certain landlords continue exploiting the lack of renter protection and the absence of rent control in the province.

A recent example of rental challenges is a room for rent in Brampton priced at a seemingly reasonable $350. However, the catch is significant – the offered accommodation is not a traditional “room” but rather a “sharing space” right in the middle of a kitchen, complete with a twin bed.

The Kijiji ad, posted on Wednesday, promotes the space in a 2-bedroom basement near Chinguacousy Rd. and Queen St. W., describing it as “newly furnished.” Contrary to this claim, the sole photo accompanying the listing reveals a kitchen setting with the single bed squeezed between the counter’s edge and a support pillar. The close proximity of the headboard to the sink raises practical concerns for anyone sharing this space.

While the ad highlights the location’s convenience to local colleges, universities, banks, grocery stores, drug stores, and public transit, the mismatch between the description and the reality sparked humor and frustration among online communities.

Reddit users made light of the situation, with one joking about waking up to the smell of coffee, while another humorously suggested labeling it a “bed and breakfast.” However, some expressed frustration, condemning such arrangements as the work of “slumlords” taking advantage of the absence of renter protections.

Parvasi Weekly Inc.