Beyond the Myths: What Really Defines a Bedroom in Ontario?
When buying, selling or renovating a home in Ontario, understanding what legally constitutes a bedroom is essential for accurate property valuation and marketing. Ontario's building code provides specific criteria that define a bedroom, regardless of common misconceptions that circulate in the real estate market.
Size Requirements
The Ontario Building Code establishes minimum size standards for bedrooms:
7 m² (75 sq ft) minimum floor area for rooms without built-in closets¹
6 m² (65 sq ft) minimum floor area if the room includes a built-in closet¹
No dimension can be less than 1.5 m (5 feet)¹
These requirements ensure adequate space for occupancy and furnishings.
Ceiling Height
Ceiling height requirements address comfort and usability:
Minimum ceiling height of 2.13 m (7 feet) over at least 75% of the required floor area¹
The remaining 25% can have a lower ceiling, but not less than 2.03 m (6'8")¹
These specifications are particularly relevant when assessing basement rooms, where mechanical systems and structural elements may impact available headroom.
The Closet Requirement: A Common Misconception
Contrary to popular belief, the Ontario Building Code does not require a bedroom to have a closet. This represents one of the most persistent myths in Ontario real estate. While closets affect the minimum required floor area (reducing it from 7 m² to 6 m²), their absence does not disqualify a room from being classified as a bedroom.¹
Light and Ventilation
Bedrooms must have access to natural light and ventilation:
Window glazing area must equal at least 5% of the floor area¹
Ventilation requirements can be met through natural means or mechanical systems¹
The code permits "borrowed light" arrangements where a bedroom receives indirect natural light from an adjacent space, provided specific conditions are met.
Egress Requirements
Safety considerations form a critical component of bedroom requirements:
Every bedroom must have either a door providing direct access to the exterior or a window that can serve as an emergency exit¹
Emergency exit windows must be:
Openable from the inside without tools or special knowledge
Providing an unobstructed opening of at least 0.35 m² with no dimension less than 380 mm
Maintained in the open position without additional support¹
These egress requirements often disqualify basement rooms with small windows or windows positioned too high on the wall.
Legal Definition vs. Market Expectations
While the building code establishes legal requirements, market expectations often differ:
Rooms without closets may meet legal requirements but face marketing challenges
Spaces with indirect natural light might be legally compliant but less desirable to buyers
Real estate professionals often consider both legal requirements and market expectations when describing rooms in listings
Practical Applications
Understanding Ontario's bedroom requirements has several practical applications:
Property assessment: Determining the actual number of legal bedrooms affects property valuation
Renovation planning: Ensuring new bedrooms meet all applicable code requirements
Real estate transactions: Marketing properties with accurate bedroom counts
Conclusion
Ontario's building code defines bedrooms based on size, safety and livability factors. The absence of a closet does not disqualify a room from being a bedroom, though it does affect minimum size requirements. When evaluating properties or planning renovations, referring to these objective standards provides clarity amid common misconceptions.
Sources:
¹ https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/120332
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Ontario building code requirements for bedrooms based on regulations as of April 2025. While we strive for accuracy, building codes and their interpretations may change over time. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals, including licensed home inspectors, contractors, or municipal building departments, before making decisions based on this information. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for any damages or losses that may result from the use of this information.
