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Renovation licences and tenant relocation in Hamilton, Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Hamilton’s renovation bylaw requires landlords to apply within seven days after an N13 for renovations requiring the tenant to move out. The municipal licence does not decide the provincial eviction dispute.
Key information
Hamilton’s renovation bylaw requires landlords to apply within seven days after an N13 for renovations requiring the tenant to move out. The municipal licence does not decide the provincial eviction dispute.
On this page
When the municipal rule applies
Bylaw 24-055 has applied since January 1, 2025. It concerns extensive repair or renovation requiring vacant possession after an N13. It covers rental units across Hamilton with listed accommodation and housing-programme exceptions.
The City does not issue or enforce the N13 itself; disputes under the Residential Tenancies Act go to the Landlord and Tenant Board. Do not treat an N13 alone as proof the City has approved renovation work.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
Landlord documents and deadlines
Apply within seven days of serving the notice. Supply all N13 notices, a valid building permit, a qualified engineer’s or architect’s letter confirming vacant possession is necessary and an attestation for each affected unit.
After applying, notify tenants within five days and post the required common-area notice in multi-unit buildings. Work cannot begin until the City requirements are met and the licence is issued. The attestation can follow once agreement is reached, within the stated 120-day process.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
Return and temporary arrangements
A tenant wishing to return should notify the landlord in writing within 120 days and give a temporary mailing address under the City’s described process. A returning tenant’s rent must not exceed what could lawfully have been charged if they had stayed.
The landlord arranges comparable temporary housing or rent-gap compensation. Comparability includes rent, size and access to services. The gap uses current rent, unit size and a current CMHC market figure; obtain the current figure rather than using a guessed city-wide rent.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
Moving costs, fees and help
The landlord either pays an insured mover or provides $1,500 for a bachelor/one-bedroom unit or $2,500 for two or more bedrooms. The licence costs $715 and lasts one year, with $125 annual renewal if work continues.
If no agreement is reached, notify Licensing; an exemption is reviewed case by case. Municipal questions go to 905-546-2782 option 2. Tenant Support is 905-546-2424 extension 4557. Provincial legal rights should be checked through the linked LTB resources.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Landlord application | Within 7 days of N13 |
| Notify tenants after applying | Within 5 days |
| Return notice described | Within 120 days |
| Moving compensation option | $1,500 small unit; $2,500 two+ bedrooms |
| Licence | $715; renewal $125; one-year term |
Sources: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
What to do next
- Identify the trigger
N13 plus renovations needing vacant possession.
- Document arrangements
Supply professional evidence and tenant attestation.
- License before work
Wait for City approval and meet relocation terms.
Sources: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
10 useful questions
When must a landlord apply?
Within seven days of serving the renovation-related N13.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
Does the City decide whether an N13 is valid?
No. Provincial disputes are handled by the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
Can work begin before the licence is issued?
No. The City requires completed requirements and licence issue first.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
Who can provide the qualified letter?
A professional engineer or architect in good standing with the named Ontario regulator.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
When must tenants be told an application was submitted?
Within five days after the landlord applies.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
How does a tenant state an intention to return?
In writing within the described 120-day period, with a temporary mailing address.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
Can temporary housing cost more than the original rent under the comparable option?
The City describes comparable rent as equal to or less than the original rent.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
What moving-payment option applies to a two-bedroom unit?
$2,500 if the landlord chooses compensation rather than an insured mover.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
What is the initial municipal licence fee?
$715.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
What if renovations take over a year?
Renew the licence before expiry; the listed annual renewal is $125.
Source: City of Hamilton: Renovation licences and tenant relocation
Official information and forms
This guide covers the City of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, including its named former municipalities. Check property-specific programme boundaries where stated. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.