Renting in Courtenay in 2026

Courtenay is the largest community in the Comox Valley, with a population of roughly 32,900 as of Statistics Canada's 2025 estimate, about 75 minutes north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. It's legally distinct from neighbouring Comox but the two sit only minutes apart and function as one connected rental market.

North Island Hospital and North Island College both draw steady rental demand from healthcare workers and students, while CFB Comox adds a military-family population that spans both communities. Courtenay's rental stock is broader than Comox's, with more apartment buildings and rental-purpose construction downtown alongside single-family homes in the surrounding subdivisions, making it the more apartment-friendly of the Valley's two main towns.

The local economy runs on the following:

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  North Island Hospital Comox Valley, opened 2017
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  North Island College (Comox Valley campus)
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  CFB Comox / 19 Wing Comox, a shared regional employer with neighbouring Comox
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  Mount Washington Alpine Resort

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  The Courtenay & District Museum, known for local plesiosaur and mosasaur fossil finds
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  The Comox Air Force Museum, shared with neighbouring Comox
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  Sid Williams Theatre, downtown Courtenay's historic performance venue
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  The Comox Glacier, visible from town on the edge of Strathcona Provincial Park

Every rental in Courtenay is governed by the BC Residential Tenancy Act. Key rules that apply regardless of town size:

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  Rent increases are capped at 2.3% for 2026 and 2.2% for 2027.Once every 12 months, with at least 3 full months' written notice.
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  Security deposit capped at half a month's rent.A separate pet damage deposit, also capped at half a month's rent, is allowed on top of it.
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  Landlord entry requires 24 hours' written notice.For repairs, showings, or inspections.
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  Disputes go to the RTB.A $100 flat fee applies to file a Dispute Resolution application.
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  A condition inspection report is required at move-in and move-out.If a landlord skips it, they forfeit the right to claim against the deposit for damage.

Deep guides for each of these topics are in the SQRFT guide library.

• Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
• School District 71 (Comox Valley)
• BC RTB