Identify the housing context early
Toronto's housing guidance says proposals involving demolition or conversion of six or more residential units, including at least one rental unit, require approval under its Rental Demolition and Conversion Control By-law. Ask City Planning to confirm how the actual property and proposal are treated. Do not decide applicability from the number of visibly occupied rooms alone.
Prepare facts without tenant data
Gather the existing unit arrangement, rental-use information and the proposed removal or conversion for the owner's professional adviser and City reviewer. Keep names, leases and personal tenant information out of a contractor's general enquiry. The removal scope can identify an unresolved planning dependency without circulating private household records.
Separate planning, building and tenancy questions
A demolition estimate does not resolve rental replacement conditions, tenant arrangements or possession rights. Bring those questions to the appropriate City staff and qualified adviser. Keep the rental-housing review distinct from the general demolition-control discussion and the building permit process. None should be treated as an automatic substitute for another.
Questions to settle before the next step
Use this decision table with the people responsible for your property. Record the actual answers in your private project file.
| Decision | Question or evidence | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Housing facts | Unit arrangement and rental use | City Planning confirms applicability |
| Separate decisions | Planning, building and tenancy matters | Responsible advisers identified |
| Removal instruction | Approved extent and remaining conditions | No assumption of possession |
Keep your completed record private. Bring the relevant scope questions into the optional project planner or discuss them directly with Clearpath.
Official information
Check the applicable requirements for your property and proposed work with the responsible authority or qualified professional.
Source references reviewed October 8, 2026.