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Residential Rental Licensing Pilot Program

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Program Overview

The City of Brampton’s Residential Rental Licensing (RRL) Program requires landlords to provide safe, well-maintained rental housing in compliance with City standards. Homeowners who intend to rent a property containing less than five residential dwelling units must obtain a Residential Rental License before operating. The license application for both new applications and renewals is free. Licences must be renewed annually. Operating without a license is illegal and subject to fines and penalties. Licenses must be obtained for any of the following types of properties:

  • 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.

Program Updates Effective January 1, 2026

On January 1, 2026, the following improvements were made to strengthen rental safety and operator accountability.

  • Proof of Insurance: All property owners must submit a proof of insurance completed or issued by their insurance company or broker to confirm compliance with the minimum insurance requirements for the program ($2M liability). Requiring proof of insurance helps ensure rental properties are properly covered in the event of accidents, damage or emergencies, protecting tenants, neighbours and property owners.
  • Landlord Education Module: All applicants are now required to complete a one-time online educational module as part of the licence application to ensure the applicant has demonstrated an understanding of minimum operating requirements. The City’s Study Guide (Webpage​ or PDF​) contains all the information required to complete the ten question module.

The completed module is associated with the email address entered and will be saved for all future submissions that are submitted with the same email.​​​

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RRL Licence Process: Step-by-Step

All ARUs must be registered with the City before applying for a RRL license to ensure that Registering your ARUs ensures they comply with Ontario Building Code through required permits and inspections. For information about registering an ARU, click here.​

Steps to Register an ARU

  • Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your property meets zoning requirements. A maximum of three units are permitted on a property, including the principal dwelling.
  • Obtain Building Permits (if required): If constructing or altering a unit, obtain the required building permits and ensure the ARU complies with the Ontario Building Code.
  • Submit Your Registration: Complete the one-time ARU registration with the City to confirm the unit meets safety and zoning requirements.
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  • Ensure all rental units comply with safety, fire and property standards.
  • Ensure all rental units have appropriate insurance coverage based on the type of rental (​minimum $2M liability coverage).

  • Submit the online RRL application​ with all required documents and provide consent for the City to verify that your property meets safety, fire and maintenance standards.
  • A completed Certificate of Insurance is required to be submitted with the application.
  • ​A Landlord Educational Module is required to be completed before submitting an application.
  • The licence application is free.
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  • Once approved, your RRL licence will be emailed.
  • Post licence in a visible location inside the rental unit where tenants can easily see it.
  • Maintain compliance with licence conditions and renew licence annually.

Mandatory Licence Requirements

Licensed landlords must follow all RRL Program requirements. Key licence conditions require landlords to:

  • Maintain adequate and appropriate insurance (minimum $2M liability).
  • Follow occupancy limits and only provide rooms for sleeping if they have been approved under a building permit.
  • Maintain working smoke and CO alarms in accordance with Ontario Fire Code.
  • Provide legal p​arking only. No parking on grass, roadways, walkways or unapproved areas.
  • Maintain the property, including lawn care, snow removal and garbage storage.
  • Provide tenants fire safety instructions, emergency contact info, parking rules and waste guidelines.

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms ​​must be installed where required and kept in working condition. Alarms must be tested regularly, including after tenant changeover. Tenants must notify the landlord if an alarm is not working.

​Fire Separations & Fire Doors between units and exits must remain intact. Fire doors must self-close and latch properly and must never be blocked or altered.

​Shared Exits & Exit Signs must remain clear and unobstructed. Exit signs and emergency lighting must operate during power outages.

​Mechanical Rooms & Furnaces must not be used for storage. Clear space must be maintained around heating equipment at all times.

Fire-Rated Materials must be used where required to maintain fire separations. Standard household foams or sealants are not acceptable.

Tenants must not disable or tamper with fire safety equipment and must report concerns to the landlord promptly.​

Compliance & Enforcement

Having an unregistered ARU or operating without a licence is a serious offence and can have significant safety and health risks to tenants and the community.

  • Failing to register an ARU carries a minimum fine of $1,000. Failing to obtain or comply with the RRL licence carries a minimum fine of $750.
  • Properties that receive a Fire Safety Inspection Order due to non-compliance will be subject to user fees starting at $3,000, increasing for repeated incidents.
  • Offences including illegal construction or breaches unde​r the Building Code Act, can result in significant penalties up to $500,000.

Non-compliance can prevent obtaining or renewing a licence, meaning the property cannot legally be rented.​​​​​​​

Key Forms and Documents

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