Housing

The City of Toronto is developing an inclusionary zoning policy and updating its definitions for affordable rental housing and affordable ownership housing.

The city has an important role in ensuring the provision and maintenance of a diverse range of housing across the city in terms of building form, tenure and affordability. Through development review we secure new affordable housing and protect the rental housing stock. We also conduct research and analysis to develop and recommend policy that meets the city’s future housing needs.

Among other important objectives, our work helps preserve and increase the city’s affordable housing stock. With the limited supply of new rental housing and rising home ownership costs, the city prioritizes preserving and replenishing rental housing in Toronto.

Through the City’s development review work, we implement the Official Plan housing policies to protect rental housing from demolition and/or conversion and secure new affordable housing. We do this by coordinating development review with Community Planners and reviewing applications to demolish or convert rental housing required by the City’s Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion Control by-law in Chapter 667 of the Municipal Code.

Here you will find information relating to the demolition and replacement of private-market rental housing for six or more rental units.

What You Need to Know

You have the right to stay in your rental unit after receiving a notice of a demolition application
You will typically have the right to return to a rental replacement unit in the new development
The approval of rental housing demolition applications can be a lengthy process. It may take several months or even years. During this time you can stay in your home.

Notice to Vacate Your Rental Unit

After the demolition application is approved by the City Council, you will be given at least four months’ notice to vacate your rental unit when demolition is close to occurring.

During this time you are entitled to good building maintenance
You should not be subject to harassment
You can leave as early as 10 days after receiving the notice, or stay until the end of the notice period.

Compensation and Moving Allowance

You may be eligible for compensation. If you are eligible, you will receive notice alongside your notice to vacate.

You may also receive a moving allowance
Or other financial compensation based upon the length of your tenancy
During construction, you may be given the option of moving into an alternative unit at a different property owned by your landlord. This would serve as temporary housing until your replacement unit is ready.

Right to a Replacement Unit

If the right to return applies, you will be sent a notice of your eligibility along with your notice to vacate before the demolition. This will allow you to sign up for a replacement unit.

You must sign the lease for your replacement unit about two to three months before occupancy to confirm it.
The replacement unit will be the same bedroom type as you currently have and generally the same size as well.

Rent Increases After Demolition and Construction

If you decide to move into a new replacement unit, your rent will be based on the same rent that you currently pay, and a one-time ‘new building allowance’ increase of 4% will be permitted.

Questions or Comments about the Demolition Application

For comments or questions about the application to demolish your unit or building, you should contact your property manager. You can also contact the City of Toronto Planner managing the demolition application review. Their name and contact information can be found on any City notice that you have received about the demolition application for your building.

Tenants with Special Needs

Some tenants may qualify for more support based on special needs. You can speak with the City of Toronto Planner managing the demolition application if you would like to discuss your need for additional assistance.

More Information

For more information about the development application, enter your address into the City’s Development Application Information Centre.
You can also attend a consultation meeting organized by the City; you should receive notice by mail.
If you have questions about your rights as a tenant in Toronto, please call Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations Tenant Hotline 416-921-9494.

City Planning staff work with other City Divisions and agencies, and a range of stakeholders to review and update the City’s Official Plan housing policies. Through our research and analysis we support Council decision-making by leading or providing input into key studies impacting housing affordability and availability in Toronto. Some of our current and recent work includes: