Bylaw enforcement - occupancy standards - maximum number of people - ceiling heights - size of rooms

A habitable room is defined in the Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 629, Property Standards (Article 629-25) as: A room in a dwelling designed and lawfully used or capable of being lawfully used for living, sleeping, cooking or eating.

Number of People

The maximum number of persons living in a habitable room cannot exceed one person for each nine square metres of habitable room floor area.

Room Size

  • There are minimum size requirements for habitable rooms that are used for sleeping as follows:
  • For rooms used by only ONE person, the minimum floor area of a room used for sleeping shall be six square metres.
  • For rooms used by TWO or more persons, the minimum floor area of a room used for sleeping shall be four square metres for each person.
  • Rooms used for sleeping shall have no wall less than two metres in length.

Room Ceiling Height

Please note, the calculation is different if the room is used for sleeping. Any floor area under a ceiling that is less than 1.4 metres in height shall not be counted in computing the required minimum floor area of a room used for sleeping.

If you have concerns about occupancy standards in a home, you can submit a Bylaw Violations and Property Issue (Property Issue) online at: www.toronto.ca/311 or call 311.