Retirement Homes Act Ontario: What Families Need to Know About RHRA Rules and Resident Rights

When Ontario passed the Retirement Homes Act, 2010, it established clear rules for how retirement homes must operate—and how seniors are protected. Overseen by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA), the Act lays out everything from licensing and inspections to resident rights and complaint procedures.

If you’re helping a loved one explore retirement living or want to understand the legal standards in place, here’s what you need to know about how Ontario regulates retirement homes today.

Residents’ Rights in Ontario Retirement Homes

The Act includes a Residents’ Bill of Rights, which guarantees:

• Respect, privacy, dignity, and safety for every resident

• Clear explanations of services and fees

• A say in personal care planning and delivery

• Access to independent support and advocacy

These rights must be displayed inside every licensed retirement home.

 RHRA Licensing and Oversight

All retirement homes in Ontario must be licensed by the RHRA. This ensures homes meet safety, staffing, and care standards. The RHRA:

• Approves and renews licenses

• Conducts unannounced inspections

• Requires public posting of inspection results

You can verify if a home is licensed by checking the RHRA’s Public Register.

Retirement Home Costs and Care Plans

Before signing a lease, the home must provide:

• An itemized list of fees and services

• A clear Schedule of Care and Services

• 90 days’ notice for any fee increases

Residents must also receive a written personal care plan within 14 days of moving in, updated twice a year.

Residents’ Councils: Your Voice Matters

Residents have the right to form a Residents’ Council to:

• Raise concerns

• Offer suggestions to management

• Strengthen community engagement

The home must provide meeting space, supplies, and respond in writing to the council's suggestions.

RHRA Complaints and Enforcement

If something goes wrong, the RHRA investigates complaints and can:

• Order improvements

• Impose conditions on licenses

• Suspend or revoke licenses in serious cases

Start with the home’s manager, and if unresolved, file a complaint with the RHRA:

2022 Updates to the Retirement Homes Act

As of March 2022, Ontario strengthened retirement home laws to include:

• Mandatory infection prevention and control training

• Emergency planning and outbreak response updates

• Increased transparency for care and cost disclosures

These updates reflect lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Choosing a Safe Retirement Home in Ontario

To protect your loved one, always:

• Choose a licensed retirement home

• Review RHRA inspection results

• Ask about emergency procedures and staff training

• Request a full service and care breakdown before committing

You can search licensed homes on SeniorCareAccess.com, Canada’s largest unbiased national directory for retirement living and senior housing.

 Helpful Resources

• RHRA Home Registry

• Resident Rights Info

• Retirement Homes Act (CanLII)

• Advocacy Centre for the Elderly