A BLRH is defined as a dwelling unit where bedrooms are rented or provided to occupants, rather than the entire unit. Occupants of a BLRH share bathrooms and/or kitchen facilities, and may be unrelated. A BLRH is rented or provided to occupants on a long-term basis of 28 days or more. For clarity, a BLRH includes housing that is controlled and provided by an employer of the residents living in the unit.

Per By-law 3-2024, there are two classes of BLRH:

• Residential BLRH which houses ten or fewer occupants on lands designated as residential in the Town of Kingsville's Zoning By-law
• Agricultural BLRH, which houses any number of occupants on land designated agricultural in the Town of Kingsville's Zoning By-law

To obtain a BLRH Licence, you must complete our online BLRH Application Form. The form will request the following information from you:

• Legal Business Name and Address
• Property Owner Information
• A Criminal Record Check for the Owner dated within 30 days of the date of Application
• Address of each BLRH, subject to the Application
• On-site contact information for the person responsible for the BLRH
• Maximum number of occupants available for each BLRH
• Valid Health Unit Inspection Report for each BLRH Unit within the preceding 12 months 
  • If your BLRH has not been inspected in the preceding 12 months, you can request an inspection by filling out WECHU's online form or by calling (519) 258-2146
• The licensing fee, as set in the Town's Fees and Charges By-law (payable online by credit card)

Upon receipt of your Application, it will be circulated to the following departments for review:

• Planning and Development Services reviews the Application and confirms land-use compliance with the Town’s Zoning By-law
• Building and By-law Enforcement reviews the Application ensure that the building and/or property intended to be used as a BLRH is not subject to an open building permit and is not the subject of a Town By-law Order within the preceding 12 months
• Fire and Rescue Services reviews the Application and confirms that the building intended to be used as a BLRH has been inspected within the preceding 12 months and is not subject to an order under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act
  • If the BLRH has not had a fire inspection in the last 12 months, please contact the Kingsville Fire Department at (519) 733-2314 to schedule an inspection

Given the various departmental reviews that must be undertaken, it is difficult to predict the length of time the licensing process will take. If an Application is submitted with incomplete information, this can create processing delays. Please ensure all information submitted with your BLRH Application is accurate and up to date.

If your Application is not approved, you will receive a letter outlining any deficiencies, corrective actions, and next steps to achieve compliance.

By-law 03-2024 states that no person shall operate a BLRH without a licence issued by the Clerk. Operating a BLRH without a Town licence may result in enforcement action, including fines.

If you believe that a BLRH is operating without a licence, you may contact the Town at (519) 733-2305 or by sending an email to requests@kingsville.ca.

Yes, BLRH Licences are valid for three years from the date of issuance. You will be required to renew your licence after the three-year period. More information on the renewal process will be provided at that time.