Toronto · 2026

Toronto Rooming House Licence: Cost, Requirements & Timeline

Multi-tenant houses/rooming houses with four or more unrelated renters sharing kitchen/washroom facilities are subject to licensing requirements. Officially, the City calls this a “Multi-Tenant Homes (Rooming Houses)” licence.

Government licensing fees
$162.24
Paid to the City of Toronto
City processing target
0 business days
After a complete application
Last verified August 28, 2026·Official City of Toronto source

What the City of Toronto charges for a rooming house licence

These fees are paid to the City. They are separate from anything you pay us.

ChargeAmount
Inspection fee per houseWith licensing/inspection$162.24
Total government fees$162.24
Application/renewal fee per room varies. Per room per application. We confirm the exact amount before anything is filed.

How long a rooming house licence takes in Toronto

Timeline not published as a single catalogue-level service standard; verify the source/subtype before publishing a customer estimate.

City contacts youAfter your application is submittedWithin 0 business days
Licence issuedOnce a complete application has been receivedWithin 0 business days

Processing time is a City service target, not a guarantee.

The part that catches people out: the City does not start your application until every required document is in. A missing or out-of-date document does not cost you a few days. Your file does not enter the queue at all.

Is this the right licence for you?

Yes, if this is you: Multi-tenant houses/rooming houses with four or more unrelated renters sharing kitchen/washroom facilities are subject to licensing requirements.

Documents you need for a rooming house licence in Toronto

Which of these apply depends on how you are applying. Answer a few questions and we will send you the exact list for your situation, free.

City forms and approvals

Online / email / in person

Official City application forms, permits, inspections and approvals.

  • Multi-Tenant House operator licence application

From Toronto Building

Permit application

Toronto Building handles permits and zoning reviews for construction work.

  • Approved Zoning Certificate
    Zoning compliance is part of the multi-tenant house licensing path.
  • Building Permit / Change of Use approval
    A building permit may be required when changing use even if no construction is proposed.

From Toronto Fire Services

Inspection or approval

Fire approvals are booked with Toronto Fire Services and can take time to schedule.

  • Fire Safety Plan
    Required when the multi-tenant house has more than four tenants.
Build my free roadmap

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How to apply, step by step

If you would rather do it yourself, this is the whole process.

  1. Confirm the licence category and eligibility.
  2. Gather identification, business and licence-specific documents.
  3. Complete any required screening, examination or inspection.
  4. Submit a complete application and pay required application fees.
  5. Respond to City requests for additional information.
  6. Pay the licence/permit fee after approval where applicable.
  7. Track renewal requirements and expiry/anniversary dates.

Common questions

How much does a rooming house licence cost in Toronto?

The City of Toronto charges $162.24 in total: $162.24 for the inspection fee per house. Those fees are paid to the City. Our fee for handling the application is separate and quoted on a call.

How long does it take to get a rooming house licence in Toronto?

The City targets 0 business days after it receives a complete application, and aims to contact you within 0 business days of submission. The clock only starts once every required document is in.

What documents do I need for a rooming house licence?

It depends on whether you apply as a sole proprietor, a corporation or a partnership, and on how many owners there are. The full list is above, and a free personalized roadmap will tell you exactly which ones apply to you.

Or we handle all of it

We prepare the whole application for you

So that when it goes in, it is complete on day one and the City clock actually starts.

  • We tell you exactly which documents you need and help you obtain each one
  • We complete every City form for your structure
  • We check every document is current, correctly named and consistent
  • We assemble the package and handle the submission and City follow-up
  • One point of contact who answers the phone
Call for your quote

Our fee depends on your structure and how many owners are involved, so we quote it on the call. The $162.24 in City fees is separate either way, and paid to the City.

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