Edmonton, Alberta's second-largest city with a population of over one million, offers a variety of solutions for those who need household appliances without significant initial costs. This issue is particularly relevant for newcomers from Ukraine, students, temporary residents, and people who are just starting their lives in Canada. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the available options for renting household appliances in Edmonton, their advantages, disadvantages, and financial implications, so that you can make an informed decision.
The home appliance rental market in Edmonton: the big picture
The Edmonton home appliance rental and leasing market is represented by several major categories of companies, each of which caters to different consumer needs. As of early 2025, the city's rental market is showing moderate trends: the average cost of renting an unfurnished one-bedroom apartment is $1,246-$1,311 per month, while furnished apartments cost approximately $195-196 more. Interestingly, landlords are increasingly offering incentives to attract tenants, including free months of rent, free appliances, and moving assistance.
This dynamic creates a favorable environment for the development of appliance rental services. City residents have access to three main types of services: rent-to-own, short-term rentals for events and corporate needs, and specialized washer and dryer rentals.
Rent-to-Own
Major Market Players
The most common model for renting household appliances in Edmonton is rent-to-own or lease-to-own programs. This model allows you to rent appliances with the option of gradually paying off their cost and eventually purchasing them. Several national and local companies offer such services in Edmonton.
Aaron's is one of the largest rent-to-own chains in North America, with a location in Edmonton at 15420 Stony Plain Rd NW. The company specializes in renting a wide range of household appliances, including washers and dryers, refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and freezers. Aaron's offers instant online approval, which is especially convenient for those who want to quickly get the equipment they need. The Leasing Power℠ system allows customers to immediately find out how much they can qualify for, which simplifies purchase planning. The company also offers a lowest price guarantee—if you find a similar product cheaper at a local competitor, Aaron's will beat their total lease price or pay you $100.
Easyhome is Canada's largest lease-to-own company, founded in Edmonton, Alberta. Today, it has over 260 stores across Canada and the US, including several locations in Edmonton: at 6460 - 28th Ave NW and 1084-9499 137 Avenue NW in the Millwoods area. Easyhome specializes in furniture, appliances, and electronics, offering flexible weekly or monthly payment plans with no credit check. The company actively uses artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and data analytics to personalize shopping and optimize operations, making it a leader in the industry.
Smart Choice is another Canadian rent-to-own company offering furniture, appliances, electronics, and computers. Smart Choice is unique in that it offers a credit history restoration program, shorter contract terms, and approval for all customers regardless of their credit history. The company allows customers to purchase goods within 12 months or less, which is a much faster option compared to the traditional 2-3 years.
How the rent-to-own model works
The rent-to-own model combines elements of renting and buying. When you enter into a rent-to-own agreement, you sign a lease agreement with an option to purchase. The main components of such an agreement include:
Monthly payments are divided into two parts: the actual rent and a “rental credit” that accumulates as a contribution toward a future purchase. For example, if your monthly payment is $100, $70 may go toward rent and $30 toward a savings credit for a future purchase. The initial option fee is usually between $50 and $300 and reserves your exclusive right to purchase the item. This amount is usually credited toward the total purchase price.
The term of the contract is usually 12 to 36 months, during which you have the right to purchase the appliance. The fixed purchase price is set at the beginning of the contract and does not change throughout the lease term, protecting you from possible price increases in the market. Most rent-to-own contracts are lease-option agreements, which means you have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the goods. If you decide not to purchase the equipment, you can simply return it without any additional obligations, although the option deposit is usually non-refundable.
Financial realities: how much does it cost
One of the most important aspects to understand about rent-to-own services is their actual cost. According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, rent-to-own programs can cost you 2 to 5 times more than the retail price of the item. This is the most important fact to consider when making your decision.
Let's look at some specific examples. A basic refrigerator that costs about $1,000 in a retail store will cost you $3,300 through a rent-to-own system if you pay $21 per week for three years. This means that you are overpaying by more than $2,300, or more than three times the retail price. The situation is similar with sofas: a sofa that costs $800 in a regular store will cost $2,288 if you pay $22 per week for 104 weeks. A flat-screen TV that can be purchased for $599 at a large electronics store will cost $2,112 through rent-to-own with payments of $22 per week for two years.
Studies show that over a five-year period, rental payments typically exceed the purchase price of comparable equipment by 30-40%. The tipping point, when ownership becomes more cost-effective than renting, occurs after approximately three years of use. This means that if you plan to use the appliance for more than three years, purchasing it outright is the more economical choice.
Specialized Washer and Dryer Rentals
Lavash Rentals: the most profitable option
For those who need washing machines and dryers, there is a specialized service called Lavash Rentals, which serves Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer. This is a unique offer on the Alberta market, offering significantly better terms compared to traditional rent-to-own companies.
The rental cost from Lavash Rentals is only $60 per month for a set of washing machine and dryer. This price includes free delivery, professional installation, free maintenance and repairs throughout the rental period, as well as free removal of the appliances when they are no longer needed. The contract is month-to-month, which means maximum flexibility—you are not required to rent the appliances for a minimum period and can return them at any time without penalty. The company offers various configurations: side-by-side machines, stackable units (machines stacked on top of each other to save space), front-load models, and separate washing machines.
Comparison of washing machine rental costs
To understand how advantageous Lavash Rentals' offer is, it is worth comparing it with other options. If you rent a washer and dryer directly from the apartment complex where you live, it usually costs between $35 and $125 per month, which is between $420 and $1,500 per year. Renting through companies like Rent-A-Center will cost between $40 and $250 per month for a set, or between $480 and $3,000 per year, depending on the models.
For comparison, purchasing a new set of high-quality brand washing machines and dryers costs between $1,000 and $2,300. Installation costs an additional $100-$300. At the same time, ownership has its own additional costs: repair and maintenance (from $150 to $500 per incident), electricity and water costs (from $120 to $240 per year), potential replacement of parts, and depreciation of equipment over time. The average lifespan of a washer and dryer is 10 to 15 years, which is an important factor when calculating long-term savings.
Thus, when using Lavash Rentals for $60 per month, you will pay $720 per year. Over two years, that's $1,440 — roughly equal to the initial cost of purchasing new machines, but without the responsibility of repair and maintenance. This makes renting particularly attractive for those who plan to live in Edmonton for a short period (less than 2-3 years) or do not have the initial capital to purchase appliances.
Short-term and event rental of household appliances
Rentals for events and catering
A separate market niche is short-term rentals of appliances for events, parties, weddings, and corporate events. Several Edmonton companies specialize in this segment.
Infinite Event Services offers a wide range of appliances for events. Their price list includes refrigerators of various sizes (small ones for $150, large ones for $250 per event), holding cabinets for $325, microwave ovens for $50, as well as specialized cooking equipment such as individual burners with pots for $75. The company also provides a full range of catering equipment, including steamers, beverage dispensers, tableware, and serving accessories.
River City Events is another major player in the event equipment rental market in Edmonton. Their inventory includes 7 cubic foot freezers for $75 and large freezers up to 24.8 cubic feet for $300, refrigerators ranging from $85 (bar refrigerators) to $525 (four-door stainless steel refrigerators), as well as specialized glass-door refrigerators for commercial use. The company guarantees the best price and offers price matching if you find it cheaper elsewhere.
Corporate and temporary housing
For business travelers, corporate relocations, and people who need temporary housing, there are specialized furnished rental services that include all the necessary appliances. Nest Host offers fully furnished executive apartments in Edmonton for short-term rentals, corporate housing, and relocations. All of their apartments feature fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances, including refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and dishwashers, as well as washers and dryers.
The minimum stay depends on the booking date: 2 nights for bookings less than 15 days in advance, 5 nights for bookings more than 15 days in advance, and 7 nights for bookings more than 30 days in advance. Blueground also offers furnished apartments in Edmonton with a minimum rental period of 30 days. All apartments include modern appliances, washing machines and dryers in the unit, dishwashers, and fully equipped kitchens. This is an ideal solution for foreigners, expats, and people who are moving to the city on a temporary basis.
Advantages and disadvantages of renting appliances
Advantages of renting
Renting appliances has several significant advantages, especially for certain groups of people. The absence or minimal initial costs are the main advantage. Instead of paying $1,000-$2,300 upfront for a washer and dryer set, you can start using the appliances by paying only a small deposit or the first monthly payment. This is especially important for newcomers, students, and people who have just started working in Canada and have not yet accumulated enough savings.
Flexible payments allow you to spread the cost over manageable monthly amounts, making budgeting easier. No credit history requirements mean that even people with poor or no credit history can access the appliances they need. Included maintenance and repairs mean you don't have to worry about unexpected repair costs. Most rent-to-own companies offer free maintenance and replacement of faulty appliances during the rental period.
The option to return or exchange provides flexibility—if you are not satisfied with the appliance or your situation has changed, you can return it without any long-term commitments. Testing before purchase allows you to try out different models and brands before finally deciding what to buy. Some companies even allow you to change models during the lease term if you want to try something else.
Disadvantages of leasing
Despite its many advantages, leasing has significant disadvantages that must be considered. The significantly higher long-term cost is the biggest drawback. As shown earlier, the total cost of leasing can be 2-5 times higher than the retail price of the product. Over a five-year period, you typically overpay by 30-40% compared to purchasing.
Non-refundable option fees and accumulated credits may be lost if you do not complete the purchase. This means that if you lease equipment for two years but then decide not to buy it, all your payments will be lost and you will get nothing in return. Restrictions on the use and modification of equipment can also be a problem—some contracts have specific conditions on how you can use the leased equipment.
Complex contract terms and hidden costs can come as a surprise. It is important to read the entire contract carefully and understand all the terms and conditions, including penalties for early termination, delivery and installation fees, and any other additional costs. The lack of equity or resale value means that unlike owned equipment, which can be sold when no longer needed, leased equipment has no residual value for you.
Alternatives to leasing: worth considering
Buying new appliances
If you plan to stay in Edmonton for more than three years, purchasing new appliances is usually the most cost-effective option in the long run. Major appliance stores in Edmonton include Trail Appliances (most often recommended by locals for quality service and competitive prices), Appliance Kingdom (a local family-owned business at 16103 Stony Plain Rd), Costco (known for good prices and easy returns), Best Buy, and Home Depot.
Many retailers offer zero-interest financing programs for 12-18 months, allowing you to spread out your payments without paying extra. Some stores also offer discounts when you buy a set of appliances (e.g., refrigerator + stove + dishwasher), which can save you hundreds of dollars. When you buy new appliances, you also get a full manufacturer's warranty, which usually covers repairs for the first year or more.
Buying used appliances
The used appliance market in Edmonton is quite developed and can offer excellent value. Maysfield Appliance specializes in used appliances and offers a wide selection of brand-name appliances at the best prices in Edmonton. The company primarily serves landlords and property managers, but also sells to regular consumers. Appliance Warehouse Edmonton offers certified used appliances with a warranty. They specialize in scratch and dent washers and dryers that function perfectly but have minor scratches or dents, which significantly reduces the price.
Appliance All Service is also mentioned as a reliable source for quality used appliances. Edmonton locals also actively use Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and Craigslist to buy used appliances directly from other consumers. Prices for used appliances are typically 25-50% of the cost of new ones. For example, a quality used washer and dryer set can be found for $200-$600 compared to $1,000-$2,300 for new models.
Programs for low-income individuals
There are special support programs for newcomers, refugees, and low-income individuals. The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) periodically organizes donation centers where newcomers can receive basic household items, including small kitchen appliances, free of charge. The organization is looking for a permanent location for the New Start Essentials Market, which will combine food assistance, employment support, housing, and family services with the donation center.
The Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) provides comprehensive settlement services for newcomers, including information on housing and access to community resources. They can refer people to organizations that help with obtaining basic household items. Civida Housing manages affordable housing programs in Edmonton, including subsidized housing for low-income individuals. Some of their programs include basic household appliances in the rent.
Edmonton's Ukrainian community actively supported newcomers through the Ukrainian Newcomer Furniture Warehouse, which operated from 2022 to 2024 and provided furniture, appliances, and other household items to thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Although the warehouse is now closed due to a decrease in the number of newcomers, there are still about 20,000 Ukrainians in Edmonton, and community organizations continue to provide support.
Legal aspects and standards of rental housing
Minimum housing standards in Alberta
Understanding the legal requirements for rental housing in Alberta will help you better navigate the market. According to the Residential Tenancies Act and the Public Health Act, all rental properties in Alberta must meet minimum housing and health standards.
Landlords are required to provide a functional food preparation area that includes a kitchen sink with hot and cold water, cabinets or other food storage facilities, a countertop or table for food preparation, a safe and functional stove, and a safe and functional refrigerator. The refrigerator must be capable of maintaining a temperature below 4°C for safe food storage.Hot water must be between 46°C and 60°C. If electricity, water, and heating are included in the rent, the landlord must ensure an uninterrupted supply of these utilities. The heating system must be capable of safely maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 22°C (during very cold winter days, a minimum of 16°C).### Lease agreement and appliancesWhen signing a lease agreement in Alberta, it is important to understand what is included in the rent. A standard residential lease agreement should clearly state which appliances, furniture, and accessories are provided by the landlord. A typical checklist includes a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer, microwave, and window coverings.If appliances are included in the lease, the landlord is responsible for maintaining them in working order and for repairs. The tenant is not responsible for paying for repairs to appliances provided by the landlord unless the damage was caused by negligence or misuse on the part of the tenant. The lease may also specify whether utilities (electricity, heating, water, cable TV) are included in the rent or must be paid separately.### Tenant insuranceMost landlords in Edmonton require tenants to have tenant insurance. This not only protects your personal belongings, but also provides liability coverage in case you accidentally damage the premises or building. The average cost of tenant insurance in Edmonton is $20-$25 per month.It is important to understand that landlord insurance only covers the building itself, not your personal belongings. Tenant insurance covers the contents of your apartment, including furniture, electronics, clothing, dishes, pots and pans, and other household items. The minimum coverage is usually around $25,000, although you can increase this amount for more valuable items.
The insurance also covers additional living expenses—if your apartment becomes uninhabitable due to fire, flood, or another insured event, the insurance will pay for temporary housing, restaurant meals, and moving expenses while your apartment is being repaired. Liability coverage protects you financially if you accidentally damage the building (e.g., cause a fire) or if someone is injured in your apartment.
Practical tips for making a decision
Determine your needs and length of stay
Before choosing between renting and buying appliances, it is important to honestly assess your situation. If you plan to stay in Edmonton for less than 2 years, renting, especially through Lavash Rentals for $60 per month, may be the best option. For stays of 2 to 3 years, consider purchasing quality used appliances that offer a good balance between price and durability. If you plan to stay longer than 3 years, investing in new appliances will be the most cost-effective option in the long run.
If you have just arrived in Canada and do not have any initial capital, rent-to-own can provide quick access to the appliances you need while you build up your savings. However, it is worth considering alternative strategies: start with the minimum necessary appliances (a refrigerator and stove are often included in the rent), use the laundry facilities in your building or a laundromat for the first couple of months while you save up for your own appliances, or look for used appliances on Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji. Sometimes sellers even agree to partial payment or a payment plan informally.
Calculate the total cost of ownership
To properly compare options, it is important to calculate the total cost of ownership for each option. When renting through rent-to-own, multiply the monthly payment by the number of months in the contract, add the option fee and any other fees (delivery, installation). For comparison, when buying new appliances, calculate the initial price plus delivery and installation ($100-$300), potential repair costs after the warranty expires (on average $150-$500 over 10-15 years), and electricity and water costs. When buying used appliances, consider the price of the appliance, the option of pickup or delivery, the higher likelihood of repairs, and the absence or shorter warranty.
An example calculation for a washer and dryer shows the real difference. When renting through Lavash: $60/month × 24 months = $1,440; no worries about repairs; option to return at any time. When buying new: initial cost $1,500 + installation $200 = $1,700; potential repair costs $300 over 5 years; total cost $2,000 over 5 years; residual value when sold after 5 years ~$300-$500. When buying used: cost $400-$600; possible self-pickup or delivery $50; higher repair costs $500 over 5 years; total cost ~$950-$1,150 over 5 years; low residual value.
Read the contract carefully
Regardless of which option you choose, it is critical to read the entire contract carefully before signing. Pay attention to the total cost you will pay for the entire term of the contract, not just the monthly payment. Understand the terms of early termination: what penalties apply, do you lose all accumulated credits, is the option deposit refundable.
Check what is included in maintenance: who is responsible for repairs, are there any restrictions on the number or types of repairs, how quickly does the company respond to service requests. Clarify the policy on upgrading or returning equipment: can you change the model during the lease, are there additional fees for returns, what are the requirements for the condition of the equipment upon return.
For rent-to-own contracts, it is especially important to understand whether you have an option or an obligation to purchase the equipment. Most contracts are option agreements, which means you can, but are not required to, purchase. However, some contracts may contain obligations, in which case you cannot simply return the equipment without financial consequences.
Check out financing alternatives
Many retail stores offer alternative payment methods that may be more advantageous than rent-to-own. Store credit cards often offer promotional financing at 0% APR for 12-18 months if you pay off the balance in full during that period. This means you can spread out your payments without any additional costs, as long as you are disciplined about paying off the balance in full before the promotional period ends.
A personal line of credit from your bank may have a lower interest rate than the implied interest rate in rent-to-own agreements. Buy now, pay later services such as Affirm or PayBright allow you to spread your payment over several months with fixed payments and transparent terms, often with lower overall costs than rent-to-own.
Some employers and credit unions offer emergency loans or hardship programs for employees who need help purchasing basic household items. It is worth asking your company's HR department if such programs are available.
Special considerations for Ukrainian newcomers
Support programs and resources
Ukrainians arriving in Edmonton have access to specialized support programs. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Chapter continues to provide support to the Ukrainian community, although its main office closed in 2024. The organization can refer you to other resources and provide advice on settling in. YEG Newcomer Community Connection is available by phone at (833) 738-7727 and provides information and support to newcomers.
Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) at 10720 113 St offers comprehensive settlement services in many languages. Their staff can help with needs assessment, creating an adaptation plan, and providing information about education, employment, housing, health care, social services, the legal system, and financial literacy. They can also refer you to specific services in the community based on your needs.
The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, located at 10170 112 St NW, provides settlement support, educational programs, translation services, and employment programs. They are particularly active in helping with basic needs, including access to household goods. The Northern Alberta YMCA also offers programs for newcomers and can provide information about available resources.
Prioritizing expenses as a newcomer
The first few months in Canada require wise allocation of limited financial resources. Consider a phased approach to purchasing appliances: first, secure the absolute essentials—if a refrigerator and stove are not included in your rent, this is your first priority. Consider basic used models rather than new premium brands. For laundry in the first few months, use the laundry facilities in your building, if available, or the nearest laundromat until you can afford your own washing machine or start renting through Lavash.
A dishwasher, while convenient, is not essential at first — you can add one later. A microwave oven is also nice to have, but not essential—you can find a used one for $20-$50. Many Ukrainians successfully use the “start with the minimum” strategy: for the first 2-3 months, live with a basic set of appliances (refrigerator, stove, possibly a used washing machine for $200-$300), while working and saving money, and after 3-6 months, gradually add comfort items (dryer, dishwasher, microwave oven, better washing machine).
This strategy allows you to avoid the debt obligations of rent-to-own contracts, maintains financial flexibility in case of unforeseen expenses, and gives you time to assess what you really need in your particular home and lifestyle. Remember: most Canadians do not have the latest premium appliances. Functional, reliable mid-range appliances or high-quality used appliances are perfectly acceptable and widely used.
Conclusions and recommendations
Edmonton offers a variety of appliance rental services to meet the needs of different populations, from long-term rent-to-own programs to short-term specialized washer rentals and event rentals. The choice between renting and buying depends on your specific situation, financial capabilities, and long-term plans.
For short-term stays (less than 2 years), renting, especially through Lavash Rentals at $60 per month for a washer and dryer set, is the smartest choice. This option provides maximum flexibility, includes all maintenance, and does not tie you to long-term commitments. For newcomers without initial capital, rent-to-own through Aaron's or Easyhome can provide quick access to appliances, but it is important to fully understand that the total cost will be significantly higher—often 2-3 times the retail price.
For long-term stays (more than 3 years), investing in your own appliances, whether new or high-quality used, is almost always the most cost-effective option. The used appliance market in Edmonton offers excellent value, especially through specialty stores such as Maysfield Appliance and Appliance Warehouse, which provide certified appliances with a warranty.
Key points to remember: always calculate the total cost of ownership for the entire period of use, rather than focusing solely on the monthly payment; read the entire contract before signing and understand the terms of early termination, repair liability, and any hidden costs; Consider financing alternatives through retail stores with 0% annual promotional periods; for newcomers, prioritize basic needs and gradually expand your appliance collection as you accumulate savings.
The Ukrainian community in Edmonton remains active and supportive — don't hesitate to contact organizations such as EISA, the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta Chapter for advice and support. They can provide not only practical assistance, but also advice on where to find the best deals on household appliances, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to make the most effective use of limited resources in your first months in Canada.
Regardless of which option you choose, remember that the most important thing is to make an informed decision that suits your specific situation, financial capabilities, and long-term goals. Edmonton is a city of opportunities, and with the right approach, you can comfortably furnish your home without excessive financial hardship.