Rooming Houses in Toronto: Licensing and Tenant Rights

Since March 31, 2024, multi-tenant houses, often called rooming houses, are permitted across Toronto, and operators must hold a licence from the City.

What licensing requires

• A City licence, renewed every year. A multi-tenant house is a building with four or more rooms rented to people who don't live together as one household.
• Inspections for fire safety, electrical safety and property standards.
• Plans for maintenance, waste and pests.
• Operating within the zoning rules: houses with up to six rooms are allowed in every Toronto neighbourhood.

Tenant rights

Most people renting a room in a rooming house are tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act. They have the right to:

• proper notice before eviction, and a hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board;
• repairs and maintenance;
• rent increase limits, where they apply;
• privacy, with proper notice before entry.

The main exception

If you share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner or the owner's close family who live there, the RTA usually doesn't apply.

Safety concerns

Report unsafe conditions to the City by calling 311, and report fire hazards to Toronto Fire Services.

Need help?

If you are being evicted without notice or locked out, get advice right away.

Sources

• City of Toronto: multi-tenant houses
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• City of Toronto: 311

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General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A city apartment building with balconies · Pressing an elevator button.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.