Understanding Brampton’s Bedroom Occupancy Standards
The City of Brampton’s
Property Standards By-law sets minimum occupancy requirements to protect tenant health, safety, and living conditions. All landlords must ensure that sleeping areas meet the following standards and that no space is used as a bedroom unless it was constructed with a building permit, approved for sleeping use and meets Ontario Building Code standards for bedroom construction. A room provided for sleeping purposes must also meet the following minimum floor area requirements:
- At least 7 m² (6 m² if the room has built-in closets).
- 14 m² minimum for three occupants aged 18 or older.
- 7 m² per person for rooms with four or more occupants aged 18 or older.
Spaces That Cannot Be Used as Bedrooms
No room can be converted to a bedroom (i.e. living room) without obtaining a building permit and meeting all Ontario Building Code bedroom requirements. Additionally, the following spaces cannot be used for sleeping:
- Cellars
- Lobbies or hallways
- Closets, bathrooms, or laundry rooms
- Stairways or kitchens
- Accessory buildings, garages, or sheds (Unless otherwise permitted under applicable legislation.)
Compliance with Tenant Protection Laws
All work to address occupancy violations must minimize impacts on tenants and comply with the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act. Landlords must also follow the Ontario Human Rights Code and all relevant municipal by-laws, including zoning, licensing, and registration requirements.
