A new regulatory framework for multi-tenant (rooming) houses, which will permit these all across Toronto, will come into effect on March 31, 2024. Learn about the new framework and apply to become a member of the new Multi-Tenant House Licensing Tribunal.

A multi-tenant house, commonly known as a rooming house, is where four or more people rent rooms and share a kitchen and/or washroom. These are currently only permitted in certain areas within Toronto where zoning permits them.

Multi-tenant houses are an important part of the affordable rental housing market and provides single-room accommodation to diverse communities, including students, seniors, new immigrants and low/moderate income residents.

In some areas, owners must have a licence to operate multi-tenant houses. Other areas define multi-tenants houses differently and may not be permitted. For further clarification please contact MultiTenantHousing@toronto.ca.

Residents can contact 311 to report issues related to multi-tenant houses.

Multi-Tenant House Owners & Operators

Learn about licensing and operating requirements.

Tenants of Multi-Tenant Houses

Get information on service requests and tenant rights.

New Framework & Implementation Progress

Learn about the new regulatory framework, which will permit multi-tenant houses all across Toronto, and the implementation progress.