City of Brampton Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) Program requires rental properties with one to four units in Brampton to be licensed. The program ensures rental homes meet essential safety, fire and property standards that protect tenants and support healthy neighbourhoods.

​

Effective January, 1, 2026, all property owners operating rental properties with 1 to 4 units in Brampton will be required to have a Residential Rental Licence. This includes:

  • Single Dwelling Units: Whole residence, no additional units.
  • Two-Unit Dwellings: Principal residence plus one Additional Residential Unit.
  • Multi-Unit Residential Dwellings: More than one Additional Residential Unit, Triplex, Fourplex and Garden Suites.

Currently, only landlords in Wards 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7 are required to have a licence.

Effective January 1, 2026, the RRL Program will be strengthened with the following updates:

  • All rental properties with 1–4 units across Brampton must be licensed
  • The program will run until December 31, 2028
  • All applicants must complete a one-time online educational module
  • Clear conditions for property maintenance, occupancy, insurance and compliance will be attached to every licence

These updates improve safety, compliance and transparency for tenants and landlords citywide.

To ensure a smooth transition into the expanded RRL Program:

  1. Review your property: Check that your rental units meet safety, fire and property standards.
  2. Register any ARUs: All Additional Residential Units (basements, garden suites, etc.) must be registered before applying for a licence (if applicable).
  3. Update insurance: Confirm you have the required minimum liability coverage of $2 million.
  4. Be ready to apply or renew: Keep an eye on email notifications for renewal windows or new licence application guidance starting January 1, 2026.

Taking these steps will help landlords remain compliant and ensure tenants benefit from safe, well-maintained rental homes.

The following are exempt from licensing:

Licensing helps ensure units meet fire, building and property standards, improving safety for tenants and giving landlords a verified compliant property, which increases trust in the rental market.

Apply online at brampton.ca/RRL.

Yes. Owner-occupied homes with a rented ARU still require an RRL licence.

One licence per property, regardless of the number of units (1–4).

In 2026, all applicants must complete an online learning module to demonstrate their understanding of basic safety, fire, property maintenance and tenant responsibilities. A study guide and supporting resources are provided to help landlords prepare.

Renewals for existing RRL licences will reopen after December 31, 2025. If you currently hold a licence, you will receive an email notification when your renewal window is available. Please do not submit a renewal application before this time.

You will have until January 31, 2025 to renew. Renewing on time ensures your property is listed in the Certified Rental Registry and helps maintain compliance with program requirements. All licence application fees are waived.

You must notify the City within 7 days of any changes to the landlord, property manager or ownership. Licences are not transferable. New owners must apply for a licence.

Failing to apply for a licence or comply with the program can result in fines and penalties. The City’s Enforcement and By-law Services team will conduct inspections to ensure compliance. Non-compliant rental properties can face penalties of up to $1,200. Effective January 1, 2025, penalties will increase up to $1,500.

Penalties for non-compliance include fines for failing to register a unit or failing to obtain or comply with a licence. Currently, fines are $750 for failing to register and $600 for failing to obtain or comply, with escalating penalties up to $1,200 for repeat offences.

Serious violations, including illegal construction or breaches under the Building Code Act, may result in penalties of up to $500,000.

Rental operators may also face fines under the Non-Parking Administrative Monetary System (Non-Parking AMPS) By-Law​.

Effective January 1, 2026:

  • Failing to register will increase to $1,000
  • Failing to obtain or comply with a licence will increase to $750
  • Both offences will escalate to $1,500 for continued non-compliance

The City conducts both scheduled and unscheduled inspections, depending on the circumstances and the authority granted under provincial legislation.

Ontario laws, including the Municipal Act, 2001, the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, and the Building Code Act, 1992, permit the City to enter a property at reasonable times to determine whether a by-law, licence condition, order or safety requirement is being followed. These statutes outline when notice is required, when consent is needed and when entry may occur without prior arrangement.

​

The City uses an intelligence-led enforcement approach, where Enforcement & By-Law Services and other departments review complaints, property information and potential safety concerns to identify rental units that may require inspection. This approach helps prioritize properties that may be operating unsafely or contrary to municipal by-laws.

The City of Brampton amended its Property Standards By-law 165-2022 in January 2025 to prevent unsafe overcrowding in residential dwellings by setting occupancy standards for individuals aged 18 years old and older. These changes reflect the City’s commitment to ensuring access to affordable and safe housing.

Key amendments to the by-law include:

  • Establishing scaled bedroom floor area requirements for multiple occupancies for residents aged 18 years old and older:
    • Where a bedroom is provided to three occupants, there must be a minimum total floor area of 14 square-metres (i.e., approx. 150 square-feet). This amendment aligns with the requirements under the Ontario Building Code for rooms such as dormitories.
    • Where a bedroom is provided to four or more occupants, there must be a minimum floor area of seven square-metres (i.e. approx. 75 square-feet) per occupant.

Parking is to comply with the City’s zoning requirements​.

The property owner is responsible for ensuring the property is maintained in accordance with the City’s property standards. If issues are identified, the property owner will be issued a notice outlining the timeframe to address the issue. Failure to comply within the given timeframe may result in penalties or fines.

Landlords must:

  • Maintain safety and property standards
  • Post the licence in a visible location in each rental unit
  • Keep insurance coverage up to date
  • Renew annually
  • Notify the City of ownership or contact changes within 7 days

Yes, and may include your licence number.

Property owners are responsible for ensuring their property complies with City of Brampton by-laws. While tenants may handle certain maintenance tasks, the owner is ultimately liable for meeting these requirements. Owners can manage this directly or hire a contractor for tasks such as refuse collection and exterior maintenance. Failure to comply may result in fines.

Issues related between the landlord and tenant is to be directed to the Landlord Tenant Board​.

Residents who apply for and receive a rental licence ​in 2025 will receive a free smoke alarm. This initiative is designed to enhance fire safety in homes across the city.

​

Eligible residents will receive one smoke alarm per registration.​

​Once residents obtain their rental licence, they can collect one free smoke alarm at Brampton Fire & Emergency Services Headquarters (425 Chrysler Drive) between 8 am to 4 pm. Residents must bring proof of their rental licence and will be required to sign a waiver at the time of pickup.

The smoke alarm provided is battery-operated.​

No. It is the resident's responsibility to install and maintain the smoke alarm. ​