How to Request Housing Modifications in Markham - Bylaw Guide

In Markham, Ontario, requesting a reasonable housing modification—such as a grab bar, ramp, or altered entrance—typically involves both the landlord and municipal processes. This guide explains practical steps to request accommodation, when a building permit or variance may be required, who enforces rules, and how to appeal denials. For accessibility policy and municipal support start with the City of Markham’s accessibility pages and building permit information for procedures and submission details.City of Markham Accessibility^[1]

Before You Apply: Prepare your request

Document the modification you need, why it’s required (medical or disability-related), and whether the change is temporary or permanent. Include measurements, photos, and a description of how the modification will meet your needs. Provide any supporting documents such as a clinician’s letter only if requested.

Who to contact and legal framework

• Tenant to landlord in writing; keep a copy for records.
• City of Markham Building Services for structural changes and permit requirements. Building permits^[2]
• Provincial protections under the Human Rights Code apply to discrimination and accommodation obligations. Ontario Human Rights Code^[3]

When a building permit or approval is required

Permanent structural changes—ramps attached to buildings, permanent stair lifts, or door widening—often require a building permit or review by Markham’s Building Services. Non-structural items (removable ramps or temporary grab bars that do not alter the structure) may not need permits but should still be agreed with the landlord.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the City of Markham enforcement offices and Building Services where work contravenes municipal bylaws or the Ontario Building Code. If a modification is undertaken without required permits or contrary to bylaw, the municipality can issue orders and pursue compliance.

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences sections and ranges: not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop-work orders, required removal or alteration, and court action for enforcement.
• Enforcer: By-law Enforcement and Building Services within the City of Markham. See the city contact pages in Resources.
• Appeal/review routes: appeals of municipal orders typically proceed through specified municipal review routes or court applications; statutory time limits for appeals are set in the order or governing legislation and are not specified on the cited page.
• Defences/discretion: available defences may include prior written permission, valid permit, or a demonstrable reasonable excuse; specific discretionary standards are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

• Building permit application: see Markham Building Services for application name, forms, fee schedule, and submission method. Permit details^[2]
• Fees: fee schedules for permits vary by project; specific fees for accessibility modifications are not specified on the cited page.
• Submission: online or in-person submission methods are provided by the city; follow the Building Services instructions.

If a landlord refuses a reasonable request, tenants can rely on provincial human-rights protections and the Residential Tenancies Act for tenancy-related issues; administrative routes include negotiation, filing a human-rights complaint, or applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board where applicable.

Action steps

• Step 1: Make a dated written request to your landlord describing the modification and purpose; keep a copy.
• Step 2: Ask the landlord whether a permit or professional installation is required and whether they will arrange or approve it.
• Step 3: If structural work is needed, apply for a building permit through Markham Building Services and follow submission instructions. Apply for a permit^[2]
• Step 4: If denied, request written reasons; consider filing a human-rights complaint or seeking assistance through provincial tenancy or human-rights channels.
• Step 5: For bylaw or unsafe-work complaints, contact Markham By-law Enforcement or Building Services (see Resources).

FAQ

Who pays for reasonable modifications?

Often the tenant requests the modification and parties negotiate payment; the landlord may be required to accommodate under human-rights obligations—circumstances vary.

Do I always need a permit?

Not always; permanent structural changes usually need a permit, while removable aids may not. Confirm with Markham Building Services.

What if my landlord refuses?

Ask for written reasons, seek municipal advice, and consider human-rights or Landlord and Tenant Board remedies.

How-To

1. Write and date a clear request to your landlord explaining the needed modification and reason.
2. Collect supporting docs (photos, measurements, clinician letter if available).
3. Check with Markham Building Services if the change is structural and apply for a permit if required. Permit info^[2]
4. If denied, request written reasons, then consider human-rights or tenancy remedies.
5. If unauthorized work occurs or a bylaw is contravened, contact By-law Enforcement with documentation.

Key Takeaways

• Start with a dated written request to your landlord.
• Check permit requirements with Markham Building Services before making structural changes.
• Use municipal enforcement and provincial human-rights or tenancy routes if disputes cannot be resolved.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Markham - Accessibility
• City of Markham - Building Permits
• City of Markham - By-law Enforcement
• Ontario - Your rights and disability

1. [1] City of Markham - Accessibility
2. [2] City of Markham - Building permits and applications
3. [3] Ontario Human Rights Code