- Introduction:
- Starting March 31st, 2024, rooming houses will be permitted across Toronto.
- Definition:
- Rooming houses are houses with four or more rooms rented out individually, with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
- Current Restrictions:
- Zoning bylaws prohibit rooming houses in some parts of Toronto, including the Former Cities of East York, North York, and Scarborough.
- Varied Regulations:
- In the Former City of Toronto, rooming houses are allowed with licensing processes.
- In the Former City of York, rooming houses are allowed without a license.
- New Regulatory Framework:
- Toronto City Council approved a new regulatory framework on December 14, 2022.
- The framework sets standards, regulations, and enforcement processes for safe operation.
- Implemented Standards:
- Standards include maximum room limits and parking requirements.
- Rooming houses may have up to 12 or 25 rooms based on the specific area.
- Landlord Responsibilities:
- Landlords must develop maintenance plans compliant with building, fire, and electrical codes.
- Enforcement Measures:
- Enforcement measures include an enforcement team, annual inspections, and a Multi-Tenant House Licensing Tribunal.
- Assistance Program:
- Toronto is developing a program to help existing rooming houses retrofit and repair to comply with new standards.
