Toronto’s rental market is showing signs of easing prices, but a new trend is emerging among landlords. They’re getting creative, and sometimes controversial, by turning unlikely spaces into “bedrooms” to attract those watching their wallets. From beds in kitchens to mattresses on staircases, social media is abuzz with these unusual rental options.

One such listing on Kijiji for a shared bedroom in North York, priced at $555 a month, might seem like a steal at first glance. But there’s a twist: tenants must share a bunk bed. Despite this, the ad boasts of the location’s “prestigious” nature, near public transport, 24-hour stores, and the Don Valley Parkway.

It’s targeted at students or young professionals looking for a deal and willing to bunk together, yet it requires a thorough application process, including credit and employment checks.

This ad has triggered a wave of criticism online, especially on Reddit, where people are demanding more oversight for landlords proposing such cramped living conditions in the GTA. The community’s reaction ranges from concerns about legal issues to unfavorable comparisons to the worst hostels, highlighting widespread disapproval of these tight and expensive living arrangements.

Surprisingly, this isn’t the most expensive option out there; previous ads have listed shared or even windowless rooms for as much as $750 to $1,200 a month, pointing to the continuous struggle faced by those navigating Toronto’s rental market.

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