Winnipeg apartments

Searching Winnipeg apartments can be a time-consuming and frustrating task.

That's because for years, apartments have been in short supply in Winnipeg.

Very low vacancy rates (among the lowest in the country), especially for moderately-priced apartments (under $700 a month), are due mainly to the number of students.

There are five universities and a degree-granting college in town plus a number of technical and trade schools.

Add to that the growing number of newcomers to the city who are also looking for short-term and affordable accomodation, primarily downtown.

Winnipeg has traditionally offered a better deal to home buyers than renters, including more options, and that remains true.

The greatest shortages are for small and modestly-priced apartments downtown (liveable bachelor suites) and, at the other end, for executive-class luxury apartments.

However, Winnipeg's apartment crunch is easing up a bit with more conversions, renos and new-build apartments than there were even five years ago coming on the rental market (though buying a home is still a very good deal in Winnipeg if you plan to stay for 3 years or more).

Unlike in some other provinces, a landlord can decide not to rent to families with pets or children. There is no law (yet) to prevent this.

If you decide to rent an apartment, expect to pay a damage deposit (usually equal to one month's rent). It will be returned after you leave the apartment, but won't earn interest.

Insist upon a full inspection of the unit (in writing) before you move in and again when you are ready to leave. Landlords will keep a part (and possibly all) of your damage deposit to cover any damage caused while you occupied the unit.

What will I pay for a Winnipeg apartment?

An average unfurnished Winnipeg apartment (840 square feet., two bedrooms, standard features, including hydro and one parking space) is about $750 to $950 in the suburbs but a bit less than that (in newer buildings) north of downtown or in a duplexed house. Expect to pay closer to $900 and up downtown.

In the core, rent ranges from a low of $450 to $600 (in the most modest apartments popular with students and young professionals on and near Broadway, near University of Winnipeg’s downtown campus and in Osborne Village) to the somewhat pricier apartments near University of Manitoba to luxury penthouses on and near Wellington Crescent, which go for $1,300-plus per month and up.

Winnipeg apartments -- what’s available?

Downtown Winnipeg

The former York the Hotel downtown is currently being reno’d into Residences on York, which will offer bachelors and one-bedroom apartments with fireplaces, hardwood floors, granite counter tops in designer kitchens, and city views while keeping such city hotel conveniences as an upscale restaurant, The Lobby On York, plus a spa and concierge service. At 160 Smith Street, Winnipeg.

The Edge is a $5 million conversion of a former warehouse at 230 Princess St. into 43 New-York style apartments bachelors, one bedroom and two bedroom units ranging from a cosy 450 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq ft. Desirable features here, in addition to the trendy Downtown location in The Exchange District are plenty of heritage character and city views.

I toured The Edge recently and loved the exposed timber frames and brick walls, stainless steel appliances, and the clever use of every square inch of space. This is a smart and sympathetic conversion of the century-old Frost and Wood Warehouse building; an upscale place to live for an up-and-coming singleton or couple without children (there is parking, but no balcony or green space). A recycled heritage building with everything new – electrical, plumbing, appliances including washer/dryer and AC, renting for $650 per month and up including utilities.

South of Downtown:

Grandmont Apartments are new luxury two-bedroom suites starting at $1335 per month. Features include granite counter tops, stainless appliances, high ceilings and river-view balconies 25 minutes from downtown at 3299 Pembina Highway, just south of the Perimeter.

Winnipeg apartments north of Downtown

East Concordia Manor is another new executive-style apartment complex near Concordia Hospital. All suites are two bedrooms with patio or balcony and indoor parking is available.

Short-term and furnished Winnipeg apartments

Coming to Winnipeg for several weeks, or perhaps a month or two, and looking for something less like a hotel and more like home?

Howard Johnson Express Inn, on the west side of town, is right on Portage and about 20 minutes from downtown. Close to restaurants and shopping, it has rooms with kitchenettes. 3740 Portage Ave., Winnipeg.

Prefer to stay Downtown? Humphry Inn & Suites has a pool, steam room, hot tub, fitness room and accommodations that are more like apartments, some with Jacuzzi tubs and continental breakfast is included. 260 Main Street (across from the Train Station).

Another downtown option with hotel ambience and amenities and extended-stay rates and services is Place Louis Riel Suite Hotel at 190 Smith Street, Winnipeg.

Holiday Towers is another downtown option. Their furnished suites have full kitchens, weekly housekeeping service, swimming pool, laundry rooms and, if you prefer, they also rent unfurnished suites month-to-month. 160 Hargrave Street, Winnipeg.

Prefer to deal with a rental agency for a conventional apartment, either downtown or elsewhere in Winnipeg? If so, call Edison Rental Agency, (204) 940-3450 or Quality Management Ltd., (204) 452-0110.

Prefer a new, unfurnished apartment that rents month-to-month north of Downtown? See East Concordia Manor, under “North of Downtown,” above.