Which rental properties need a licence in Thorold?
Nearly all of them. All new and existing residential rental properties require a license from the municipality, other than
a list of exceptions. Two that come up most: An apartment building containing five or more separate dwelling units, all of which have a common entrance from grade and each of which has an independent entrance from a common corridor
, and A rental unit that is occupied by owners of the rental unit as their sole residence and in which no more than two bedrooms are occupied by tenants
. (City of Thorold, Residential Rental Licensing) Hotels, group homes and some student residences are on the list too. Not sure? The City answers licence questions at RRL@thorold.ca.
What goes with the application?
The City lists the licence fee, a Self-certification checklist
, a Floor plan
, a Site sketch
, a Maintenance plan
and a document checklist, and warns: Please note, an application submitted without the above noted documents will not be accepted.
(City of Thorold, Residential Rental Licensing) A maintenance plan is easier to write when the regular work already has a contractor; see property service agreements.
What does the self-certification checklist look at inside a unit?
The everyday condition of each room. The checklist says it is designed to assist property owners in determining whether their properties comply with the City of Thorold’s Property Standards By-law and Clean Yards By-law
, and asks the owner to supply all tenants within the Rental Property with a completed checklist
. Items inside the units include:
Floor covering is free of trip hazards and in good condition
All walls and ceiling are maintained in good condition
Doors, windows and window screens are in good condition and operational
The kitchen sink and faucets drain properly and are free from leakage
Bedroom is at least 7m2 (75 sq.ft) without a closet or 6m2 (65 sq.ft) with a closet
(City of Thorold, Residential Rental Property Self-Certification Checklist, 2026) Floors, walls, doors, screens and leaking sinks are the core of a property turnover and of income property maintenance, and Michal is a plumber. The checklist also points owners to the Building Code and the Fire Code; the alarm duties are in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for landlords.
How long does a licence last, and when do I renew?
Residential Rental Licences are valid for a period of 2 years from the date issued on the license.
(City of Thorold, Residential Rental Licensing) The by-law sets the renewal date: A renewal application must be filed at least sixty (60) days prior to the current license expiring.
(City of Thorold, By-law No. 109-2017, s. 7.3) Put the date in the calendar a few months ahead, so any repairs the checklist turns up are done before the form goes in.
What do you do in Thorold?
Turnovers, repairs, common areas and full interiors for rental owners and property managers, and interior work for homeowners. For a unit between tenants, the rental turnover checklist sets out what to check. Call (905) 920-1418, Monday to Saturday, 7 am to 7 pm, or send the details on the request page.
This is a plain summary of the City's documents, not legal advice. The linked by-law is what counts.