Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority
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Apply for a Licence
Under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 (Act) all businesses meeting the definition of retirement home must apply for a licence in order to operate in Ontario. To determine if you are a retirement home, visit the General Information tab, or consult the Act.
As of July 1, 2012, all retirement homes must have a licence to operate. Operating without a licence is an offence under the Act.
Homes operating on July 1, 2012 either must have received a licence from the RHRA Registrar or have submitted a licence application to the RHRA by July 3, 2012. New homes must also apply and receive a licence before they begin operating as a retirement home.
How to apply
To assist you with the application process, the RHRA has put together an Applicant Guide. The Guide introduces you to the forms, supporting documents and fees that must be submitted. Kindly review the Guide before completing your application forms. In addition to the Guide, you are also encouraged to watch the following video, which will also help explain the application process. If you have questions about your application after reviewing the Guide and video, please contact the RHRA at 1-855-ASK-RHRA (1-855-275-7472).
Download letters, sent to operators from the Chair of the Board of Directors and the Registrar re: RHRA Open for Licensing, here:
Chair's Letter 
Registrar's Letter
Download the licence application documents here:
RHRA Applicant Guide
Please note the definition of retirement home on page 11 of the Applicant Guide has been revised to provide greater clarity.
RHRA Forms
Additional Forms 2A and 2B
Reminder: The following persons must submit a Personal History Report:
- If the Applicant is a sole proprietor, the owner and any other persons (including a spouse, relative corporation or partnership) having the ability to direct the management and policies of the home.
- If the Applicant is a for-profit or not-for-profit corporation (Form 2B), the Corporation, its directors and officers, and (in the case of a business corporation) any person(s) who alone or with associates own more than 50% of voting shares of the corporation sufficient to elect a majority of the corporation's board of directors.
- If the Applicant is a partnership, any person (including a spouse, relative, corporation or partnership) having the ability to direct the management and policies of the home.
Fee Schedule - The Interim Fee Policy, Fee Fact Sheet and Registrar's Fee Letter can be found here.
Video
