By: Targe Media

As remote and hybrid work models take firm root across North America, rental markets are undergoing a profound transformation. Tenants are trading inner‑city condos for suburban homes with dedicated workspaces.

Property experts warn that landlords who fail to adapt risk rising vacancies and stagnant rental income. Royal York Property Management, led by Founder and CEO Nathan Levinson, offers a blueprint for investors aiming to capitalize on these shifts.

Secondary Markets Emerge as Rental Hotspots  

Urban exodus trends, accelerated by the pandemic, continue into 2025. Data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation shows markets such as Halton Region, Guelph and Barrie posting rental demand increases between 10 and 15 percent year‑over‑year.

In the United States, a Redfin study released earlier this year highlights Sun Belt cities Austin, Nashville and Jacksonville as top destinations for remote‑enabled relocations.

Broadband availability has become a key predictor of rental demand. Royal York Property Management’s internal analysis cross‑references fiber‑optic coverage maps from the Canadian Radio‑television and Telecommunications Commission with job‑posting growth in technology and finance sectors.

Nathan Levinson notes that “markets offering gigabit‑speed internet alongside upward‑trending remote‑friendly job postings are attracting the most mobile, high‑earning renters.”

Repositioning for Long‑Term Leases  

Municipal crackdowns on short‑term rentals in Toronto, Mississauga and Hamilton have accelerated a shift toward longer tenancies.

Property owners now face two choices: navigate complex regulatory frameworks or pivot to long‑term leasing. Royal York has observed a marked uptick in owner inquiries about converting vacation units into standard rental properties.

To appeal to remote workers, Royal York recommends enhancing in‑unit amenities. “Private workspaces, reliable high‑speed internet and flexible lease terms are non‑negotiable,” says Levinson.

His team advises landlords to convert seldom‑used rooms into co‑working lounges complete with video‑conferencing booths. They also suggest bundling utilities, cleaning services and co‑working credits into all‑inclusive rent packages simplifying budgeting for tenants and reducing turnover for landlords.

Technology Alone Doesn’t Solve Structural Issues  

Royal York’s proprietary platform integrates maintenance requests, lease management and legal filings into a unified dashboard. Yet Levinson cautions that technology without operational depth can be misleading. “An app notification without a technician on site is simply failure, rebranded,” he observes.

To ensure reliability, Royal York supplements its AI‑enabled workflows with a 24/7 in‑house support center. Performance metrics show 95 percent of emergency repair tickets receive response within two hours, even outside standard business hours. This blend of digital tools and human oversight stands in contrast to many vendors whose AI solutions lack the backend capacity for real‑world service.

Mitigating Vacancy with Income‑Protection Programs

Economic headwinds and localized oversupply can quickly erode occupancy rates. Royal York offers rental‑income protection schemes. These programs cover up to three months of lost rent in the event of tenant default, in exchange for a fee of roughly 0.5 percent of annual rent.

Although more common in Europe, income-protection programs are gaining traction in North America. “This safety net accelerates leasing cycles,” Levinson explains. “Landlords feel confident approving tenants with nontraditional credit profiles, while investors appreciate the reduced downside risk.”

In‑House Expertise as a Competitive Advantage  

Unlike many firms that outsource critical functions, Royal York employs its own teams for leasing, maintenance, accounting and legal matters. Levinson argues that this in‑house model ensures data continuity and faster resolution times.

Legal experts on staff handle Landlord and Tenant Board proceedings in Ontario and equivalent tribunals abroad. By keeping dispute resolution internal, Royal York reports a faster average turnaround on eviction and rent arrears cases. Maintenance technicians receive direct access to tenant histories and predictive analytics, enabling proactive repairs that prevent small issues from escalating.

Policy Collaboration and Data‑Driven Planning  

Nathan Levinson’s role on the Bank of Canada’s rental policy panel underscores Royal York’s commitment to bridging private operations with public planning. The company shares anonymized market data ranging from vacancy rates to maintenance backlogs with municipal authorities.

“Policy without real‑time visibility is blind policy,” Levinson asserts. “By contributing aggregated insights, we help regulators identify demand gaps, compliance failures and infrastructural bottlenecks.”

This collaborative approach has informed recent zoning updates in suburban Ontario municipalities.

Looking Ahead  

As remote work settles into a permanent feature of the labor landscape, rental property success will hinge on adaptability. Royal York’s multi‑pronged strategy targeting high‑growth secondary markets, repackaging units for remote professionals, integrating technology with human support, offering income protection and centralizing operations provides a roadmap for landlords seeking stable returns.

“In the coming decade, the strongest portfolios will be those that view AI as an enabler rather than a panacea,” Levinson predicts. He urges investors to focus on infrastructure upgrades, tenant experience, and policy engagement. “Technology will accelerate progress, but only if it’s paired with robust processes and true accountability.”