Once a completed retirement home application is submitted, the decision on the licence application takes between six to eight weeks (on average) to process. It is important that the application is complete so that the process is not delayed.
An RHRA Account Coordinator will confirm an application has been received and also let you know if any additional information or documentation is required. The Account Coordinator will work with you throughout this process.
An application can be expedited if necessary for an additional charge. See our Fee Schedule for all costs associated with applying for a licence.
Completed application forms, supporting documents and all applicable fees must be submitted to the RHRA. The RHRA will work with you so that your application is ready for consideration. If you have questions about your application, contact us 1-855-275-7472 or email us at licensing@rhra.ca.
After a through review, the RHRA Registrar will take one of three actions on your application:
- Issue a licence
- Issue a licence with conditions
- Refuse to issue a licence
Once a licence has been issued, the status of your application will change from “Applicant” to “Licensee” in the home’s posting on the Retirement Home Database.
If a licence is not issued, you will be notified of the reasons for this decision. You can then make written submissions to the Registrar about the proposed decision. The Registrar will review your submission before making a final decision.
If the decision is to refuse the license or impose a condition, you will receive notice of this final decision, which can be appealed to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an independent body. To find out more about the LAT visit www.sse.gov.on.ca/lat.
Ensuring Success: Preparing for Inspection
Once a home receives a licence or becomes a licensee under the Act, an RHRA inspection will be made at least once every three years. The frequency of routine inspections is influenced by the amount and severity of non-compliance found during previous inspections. RHRA encourages licensees and operators to review the following fact sheet to help them prepare for a routine inspection.
What to Expect During a Routine Inspection
In addition to routine inspections, RHRA also conducts other types of inspections for different reasons, such as in response to a complaint, a report of harm or risk to a resident, or to monitor compliance with the Act.
Notice of Change
Always inform the RHRA in writing of any material change in any of the information on the application forms. RHRA must be notified of any change in the information published in the Retirement Home Database. To submit these changes, complete and submit a Notice of Change form by mail or email at licensing@rhra.ca.
Please note that changes in the controlling interest of the licensee will terminate a retirement home licence.
Under section 109 (1) of the Act, notification must be provided to the RHRA in writing at least two months before such change(s) occur, or as soon as practicable. Notification is done by completing and submitting an original Notice of Change of Person with Controlling Interest form to our office, with all applicable fees and additional documents.
If you have questions regarding this process, please contact the RHRA for assistance.