Ontario Bedroom Closet Requirements: What You Need To Know

Whether a bedroom has to have a closet or not depends on the region and its building code. In Ontario, a bedroom does not need a closet to be considered official. However, the presence of a closet can impact the resale value of a property.

Does a bedroom need a closet to be considered a bedroom?

Whether or not a bedroom needs a closet to be considered a bedroom depends on the region and the purpose of classification.

Regional Requirements

According to the Ontario Building Code, a bedroom does not need a closet. However, the National Building Code of Canada, on which provincial codes are based, contains clear requirements regarding bedroom windows. The window size required for exit is the same between the National Building Code and the Ontario Building Code. The main difference is that each bedroom with the National Building Code requires a means of exit, whereas the Ontario Building Code requires only one exit lane per level.

Purpose of Classification

The classification of a room as a bedroom also depends on whether it is for real estate listing or renting out an apartment. For real estate listings, there are no "legal" ramifications for incorrectly labelling a room as a bedroom. Potential buyers will make their own determination of whether they consider it a proper bedroom. However, for rental properties, permits and a Fire Inspection are required, which may include specific requirements for windows in the Ontario Fire Code.

Bedroom Requirements

Regardless of region and purpose, there are several requirements that must typically be met for a room to be considered a bedroom. These include minimum bedroom size, minimum horizontal footage, two means of egress (traditionally a door and a window), minimum ceiling height, minimum window size, and heating and cooling elements.

In conclusion, while a closet is not required for a room to be considered a bedroom in most states and regions, other factors such as window size and means of egress play a crucial role in determining the classification of a bedroom.

What are the legal requirements for a bedroom in Ontario?

The legal requirements for a bedroom in Ontario are quite extensive. Firstly, let's look at the minimum room size. A bedroom must be at least 70 square feet in size, with a minimum of 7 feet in one direction. This means that a 10-foot hallway, for example, would not qualify as a bedroom.

Now, let's discuss the means of egress. A bedroom must have two ways out, traditionally a door and a window. A skylight may also qualify as a means of egress, but this may vary depending on the market.

The ceiling height in a bedroom is also regulated. At least half of the bedroom ceiling must be at least 7 feet tall. So, for example, if you have a bed in a loft area with less than a 7-foot ceiling, the other section of the bedroom must have a higher clearance.

Windows in bedrooms must also meet certain size requirements. The window opening must be a minimum of 5.7 square feet. Additionally, the minimum unobstructed glazed surface area for bedrooms is 5% of the area served. This means that the window must be large enough to allow natural light to enter the room.

Bedrooms also require heating and cooling elements. This includes a heater (not a space heater) and a way to cool the room, such as a window or air conditioning.

It's important to note that bedrooms do not require closets to be considered legal. However, closets are expected in newer homes, especially in master bedrooms.

When it comes to fire safety, the Ontario Fire Code requires that each floor area be served by at least two exits. In the case of a basement bedroom, one exit can be via the stairs leading to the first floor, while the second exit can be located in the basement and can be either a door or a window of appropriate size.

Finally, let's talk about tiny homes. In Ontario, tiny homes must meet the Building Code requirements to ensure they are safe and healthy places to live. This includes meeting minimum room sizes, ceiling heights, window sizes, and energy efficiency standards.

Do older homes need closets in the bedroom?

The short answer is no. While there are requirements that make a bedroom a bedroom, having a closet isn't one of them. This is true at least in most states in the US, including Ontario, Canada.

Legal requirements for bedrooms

Legal bedroom requirements vary by state, but here are some ways to tell if your room is a bedroom rather than just an average "room":

• Minimum bedroom size: Size and the number of square feet matter, not only because you want to fit in a bed, nightstand, and other furniture, but because this is the top issue for buyers. Although sizes can vary from state to state, 70 to 80 square feet in size is generally the acceptable minimum.
• Minimum horizontal footage: The minimum square footage doesn’t tell the whole tale. A bedroom must also measure at least 7 feet in any horizontal direction.
• Two means of egress: There have to be two ways out of a bedroom. Traditionally, these would be a door and a window. In most markets, a skylight would also qualify.
• Minimum ceiling height: At least half of the bedroom ceiling has to be at least 7 feet tall.
• Minimum window size: The window opening must be a minimum size, usually 5.7 square feet.
• Heating and cooling: Your “master bedroom” needs these amenities, including a heater (a space heater won’t qualify) as well as a way to cool it down, whether that’s by opening a window or using AC.

Closets and resale value

The myth that bedrooms require closets was spread through the real estate perspective of "resale value". While it's important to be concerned about resale value, it's also important to design a home that you love.

Creative storage solutions

Older homes might require a more creative approach to stowing your clothes. Armoires and dressers can be used for storage instead of closets. Built-in armoires or wardrobes can be used to maximize space in older homes.

What are the requirements for a bedroom in a basement?

To be considered a legal bedroom in Ontario, a room must meet several requirements. Firstly, it must measure at least 7 feet by 10 feet, with a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet in at least half of the bedroom. Additionally, the room must have a window that serves as an emergency exit, with a minimum area of 3.8 square feet and a minimum height and width of 15 inches. The window must also be easily accessible and operable from the inside.

When it comes to basement bedrooms in Ontario, there are specific guidelines that must be followed. Here are the requirements for a legal basement bedroom:

• The ceiling height must be at least 6 feet and 11 inches over the entire area or 7 feet and 7 inches over at least 50% of the space, with no less than 6 feet and 5 inches under beams and ducts.
• The glass part of the windows must be a minimum of 5% of the floor area of the bedroom, and the windows must be operable.
• The basement bedroom must comply with the Ontario Building Code, which requires at least one window or door serving as an emergency exit for the entire basement level.
• Efficient heating, ventilation, and plumbing are crucial. Shared furnace systems require specialized smoke detectors in the ducts, installed by a licensed contractor.
• Electrical facilities must be inspected and approved by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Adequate lighting and switches are mandatory in every room, including staircases.
• Fire code requirements must be met, including proper fire separation and the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Exits should ideally be separate for each unit, but alternatives include common exits with appropriate safety features.

It is important to note that the requirements for a legal basement bedroom in Ontario may vary depending on the local municipality and specific building codes. It is always best to consult with local authorities and professionals to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.

What are the resale implications of a bedroom without a closet?

While a closet is not a legal requirement for a bedroom in Ontario, it can impact the resale value of a home. Real estate agents in the region may have their own definition of a bedroom and might not list a room without a closet as one. This can affect the selling price, as the number of bedrooms is an important selling feature, and sellers can usually get a higher price for a home with more bedrooms.

However, the lack of a closet in a bedroom may not always negatively impact the resale value, especially if the closet is replaced with alternative storage solutions such as an armoire or dresser. Ultimately, the impact on resale value may depend on buyer expectations and regional customs, as well as the overall presentation and functionality of the space.

In terms of legal requirements, the Ontario Building Code specifies that bedrooms must have at least one window large enough to serve as an emergency exit. Additionally, there must be at least 7 square meters of space if there are no closets and at least 6 square meters if there are fitted wardrobes. The minimum ceiling height for at least half of the bedroom ceiling is 7 feet. These specifications should be considered when planning a bedroom without a closet to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Frequently asked questions