Markham CHAPTER 121: RENTAL PROPERTIES § 121.28
RESIDENTIAL RENTAL DENSITY
Operative Text
(A) As of September 2025, there are approximately 3,900 single-family residences within the city. As of September 2025, there are approximately 741 single-family residences which have been granted licenses pursuant to the city’s rental licensing system. Accordingly, approximately 19% of all single-family residences in the city are occupied by renters. (B) In order to achieve a healthy balance in residential housing, the number of rental licenses issued by the city shall be regulated as follows: (1) The moratorium on the issuance of rental licenses imposed by Resolution No. 24-R-733 is extended through April 30, 2026. (2) From May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, no more than 15% of the total number of single-family residences in the city shall be eligible to obtain a rental license. (3) Beginning May 1, 2027, no more than 10% of the total number of single-family residences in the city shall be eligible to obtain a rental license. (C) (1) If the number of rental properties meets or exceeds the permitted number of rental properties in the city on the effective date of this section, no additional rental licenses shall be approved by the city. (2) Existing rental licenses may be renewed. However, should a rental license not be renewed, or if the rental license is revoked or lapses, the rental license shall not be reinstated unless it is in conformance with this section and other applicable sections of the municipal code. (3) In accordance with the requirements set forth in § 121.25 , a rental property that becomes vacant after October 1, 2026 shall constitute grounds for non-renewal of an existing rental license. The requirements set forth under § 150.005 of this code concerning owners’ responsibility to register vacant properties shall apply. (D) The Building and Housing Department shall be responsible for maintaining the official count of issued licenses and also the official city map identifying the location of all existing rental licenses. (E) Exception. Legal, non-conforming multiple-flats. (1) In the city, there are three legal non-conforming multiple-flats. Multiple-flats, by design, are different than single-family residences because at least one and perhaps two or more units were planned to be income-producing rental units. Any multiple-flat with one or more rental units which were licensed prior to the effective date of this section may continue to be rented and qualify for a rental license, including where the multiple-flat is sold to a new owner, and will not count against the applicable rental density cap set forth under division (B). (2) The legal, non-conforming multiple-flats that exist in the city are as follows: (a) 15750 Dixie Highway. (b) 15742 Central Park Avenue. (c) 16630 Winchester Avenue. (Ord. 25-O-2416, passed 9-17-2025)
Markham's § 121.28 establishes a cap on the share of single-family residences that may hold rental licenses in the city. A moratorium on new rental licenses runs through April 30, 2026; after that, the cap steps down from 15% of all single-family residences (May 2026–April 2027) to 10% beginning May 2027. Existing licenses may be renewed under certain conditions, but a lapsed, revoked, or non-renewed license cannot be reinstated unless it meets the requirements of this section, and a vacancy occurring after October 1, 2026 can be grounds for non-renewal. Three specifically named legal non-conforming multiple-flat properties are exempt from the density cap.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 121.28, operators of single-family rental properties in Markham generally keep their existing licenses current, because a lapsed or revoked license may not be reinstated if the city has already reached its density cap. Compliant operators also monitor vacancy status carefully, since a property that becomes vacant after October 1, 2026 can trigger non-renewal proceedings under the cross-referenced requirements of § 121.25. Owners of the three named non-conforming multiple-flat properties (15750 Dixie Highway, 15742 Central Park Avenue, and 16630 Winchester Avenue) operate under a separate exemption and are not counted against the citywide cap.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 121.28 affects the overall supply of licensed single-family rental housing in Markham, which can have practical implications for renters seeking or currently occupying such properties. Tenants in single-family rentals may want to confirm that their landlord's rental license is current and in good standing, since the city's Building and Housing Department maintains the official count and map of issued licenses. Tenants who have questions about their landlord's licensing status or the effect of a vacancy or non-renewal on their tenancy may find it useful to contact the Building and Housing Department directly or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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