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A “hostel” in the west-end of Toronto is offering month-long stays at a rate that can’t be beat, as long as you don’t mind having nine roommates in a studio apartment.
The Airbnb listing notes the apartment has one bathroom and the capacity is “8 people or max 10.”
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“It is an old house that needs work but is clean daily and weekly deep cleaning,” the listing adds. Photos of the unit show multiple bunk beds lining the apartment and the listing notes stays must be 28 days minimum.
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The price starts at $622 for dates that fall within the minimum stay requirement, though that does not include the cleaning fee, Airbnb service fee and taxes, which push the total to nearly $800.
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The posting also highlights a few excluded amenities that might be a deal breaker, even for those comfortable in cramped quarters.
While the apartment comes with a washing machine, kitchen and wifi, it apparently does not have hot water, heating, air conditioning, or a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm.
“We are offering a quiet stay in one of Toronto’s most beautiful area high park, with lots of green to explore and a place to cook,” the listing reads.
Toronto introduced its short-term bylaw in 2021, which, among other elements, requires all short-term rentals, such as those found on Airbnb, to register with the city. However, only those renting a space for fewer than 28 days are required to obtain a licence, which may explain the listing’s minimum stay requirement.
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Amid Canada’s housing crisis, property owners are increasingly offering longer-term stays at discounted rates. Last December, Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites, located just off the DVP at Eglinton Avenue East in North York, began offering month-long stays for $2,000.
Guests are not subject to background or credit checks but must pay a refundable $500 deposit, Kevin Porter, the hotel’s general manager, told CTV News Toronto.
The rooms are standard, with a bed, bathroom, microwave and minifridge, while wifi, parking and cable television are included. Guests can also make use of the hotel’s gym and indoor pool and, presumably, functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
According to the April National Rent Report from Rentals.ca, the average price for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto is now $2,471, compared to a national average of $1,851.
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