The City has an important role in providing and maintaining a diverse range of housing in terms of building form, tenure and affordability. The City conducts research and analysis to inform the development of housing policies that preserve and increase the supply of affordable and rental housing. Through development review, the City also secures new affordable housing and protects the rental housing stock.
Developments involving the demolition or conversion of six or more residential units, including at least one rental unit, require approval under the City’s Rental Demolition and Conversion Control By-law. Through its review of development applications, the City implements Official Plan housing policies related to demolition and/or conversion of existing rental housing.
Here you will find additional information relating to the demolition and replacement of private-market rental housing for sites with six or more rental units.
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.
You may be eligible for compensation above what is currently required by the Residential Tenancies Act. Tenant assistance plans are discussed with tenants in advance of rental housing demolition applications being considered by City Council, and are secured through a legal agreement that binds current and future owners of the land.
This compensation typically includes a moving allowance and financial compensation based on the rent you currently pay.
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.
If you decide to move into a new replacement unit, your rent will be similar to the rent that you currently pay. Once you return, your rent cannot be increased by more than the annual rent increase guideline amount set by the Ontario government until your tenancy ends.
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.
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.
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. Recent Official Plan housing policy changes include: new policies to require developments around transit stations to include affordable housing (Inclusionary Zoning), updated definitions of affordable housing that incorporate an income-based approach, and policies that require replacement rental housing to address the loss of dwelling rooms.
