If you’ve been trying to rent out your condo in Port Moody and the applications aren’t coming in as quickly as they used to, you’re not alone. The Tri-Cities rental market has shifted from the previous year, and many owners are noticing longer days on market, more competition, and tenants taking their time before committing.
Luckily, the challenges you’re facing usually have simple explanations, and practical solutions.
Below, we break down the most common reasons properties in Port Moody take longer to rent, and what you can do to turn things around.
1. There’s More Competition Than Before
Port Moody has seen a wave of new inventory come online:
• New purpose-built rentals
• New condo projects completed in Moody Centre, Suter Brook, and Klahanie
• Investors listing units at the same time
When renters have more options, they naturally take longer to choose.
Price strategically and focus on standing out. Highlight what makes your unit special views, amenities, parking, EV readiness, pet-friendly policy, storage, or proximity to SkyTrain and breweries. Small details matter in a competitive market.
2. Your Pricing May Be Sitting Slightly Above the Current Market
Rent growth in Port Moody has cooled. Units that rented in a weekend last year may now sit if priced even $50–$100 too high.
Tenants are very price-sensitive right now, especially with the SkyTrain expansion and the abundance of listings in Suter Brook and Moody Centre.
Re-evaluate your rent compared to:
• Similar buildings
• Similar square footage
• Units with comparable amenities
• Price reductions within the last 30 days
A small adjustment can shorten vacancy by weeks, which often saves more money than holding your price firm.
3. Photos, Presentation, or First Impressions Need Improvement
In an online-first rental world, tenants swipe past units with dark photos, empty rooms that look smaller, or cluttered spaces.
4. Restrictions From the Strata Make Your Unit Less Competitive
Port Moody has many well-run but rule-heavy stratas. Some limit related to pets, move-in-times, amenities access, short-term flexibility.
If many nearby buildings allow pets and yours doesn’t, or if move-in fees are high, this reduces your pool of applicants.
Work with the strengths you can control:
• Offer flexible start dates
• Include utilities or parking
• Allow pets if the strata permits
Small landlord-side concessions go a long way.
5. The Timing Isn’t Working in Your Favour
Port Moody has slower rental seasons — especially November to February. Units can sit even if priced well simply due to fewer people moving during those months.
If you must list in a slow month:
• Reduce rent slightly
• Add incentives (e.g., half month free, free parking for 6 months)
• Target families or professionals planning ahead
• Offer a longer lease term for security
You can always adjust the rate at renewal.
6. Screening Process Takes Too Long
People apply to several units at once. If your approval process is slow, they move on. A smooth process attracts high-quality tenants and keeps gaps between renters minimal.
With inventory up and tenants having more choice, landlords need a more strategic approach than before. The good news? When priced and marketed properly, condos in areas like Klahanie, Suter Brook, Heritage Mountain, and Moody Centre still rent extremely well.
Need Help Reducing Vacancies?
At Axford Property Management, we help Port Moody owners:
• Set the right price
• Market across multiple platforms
• Screen tenants accurately
• Create strong lease terms
• Handle all showings, move-ins, and compliance
If your unit is sitting longer than expected, we can quickly diagnose the issue and get it rented with a professional plan. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.