Why Your Landlord Is Getting Rich (and You’re Not)

Edith Parinas
Aug 20
2 min read

The cost of renting, the power of ownership, and why it’s time to shift the wealth equation.

💭 Ever feel like you’re throwing money away on rent?

You're not wrong. While renting has its time and place, staying in rental mode for too long could be quietly fueling someone else’s financial freedom — not yours.

Let’s break down how your landlord is building wealth from your rent payments — and how you can flip the script to start building your own equity instead.

💸 1. Rent = Their Mortgage (and Then Some)

Every month you send an e-transfer, you’re helping your landlord:

Pay down their mortgage
Grow their home equity
Reap their long-term appreciation
Qualify for future investment loans

Meanwhile, you’re left with no asset, no return — and potentially rising rent year over year.

🧮 2. But What If I Can’t Afford a Home?

This is one of the biggest myths I love busting.

➡️ If you’re paying $2,000+ in rent, you may already be in the ballpark to afford a mortgage. With a proper plan, even self-employed or new-to-workforce individuals can often qualify with the right strategy.

A few things to consider:

First-time buyer programs
5% down options
Co-signing or family support
Alternative lenders if banks say no
Budget alignment and debt clean-up

You might be way closer than you think.

🛠️ 3. Renting Isn’t “Bad” — But It Should Be Temporary

There are totally valid reasons to rent:

Flexibility
Saving for a down payment
Settling into a new city or job
Avoiding long-term commitments (post-divorce, early career, etc.)

But long-term? Your rent payments are building equity — just not yours. And the longer you wait, the harder it can be to catch up.

📈 4. Ownership Builds Wealth — Even in an Uncertain Market

Even when markets are shaky, homeowners still win over time. Historically, property values increase. Owning protects you from rent hikes, gives you stability, and grows your net worth — especially in markets like Ottawa and across Canada where inventory remains tight.