Must a bedroom have a built-in closet?

5/5/2017 at 9:17:35 AM

No. The Ontario Building Code does not specifically define a bedroom. However, it does define minimum size of a bedroom with and without built in cabinets. Residential appraisal standards may differ from the OBC.

From current OBC:

9.5.7.1. Areas of Bedrooms

(1) Except as provided in Articles 9.5.7.2. and 9.5.7.3., bedrooms in dwelling units shall have an area not less than 7 m where built-in cabinets are not provided and not less than 6 m where built-in cabinets are provided.

9.5.7.2. Areas of Master Bedrooms

(1) Except as provided in Article

9.5.7.3., at least one bedroom in every dwelling unit shall have an area of not less than 9.8 m where built-in cabinets are not provided and not less than 8.8 m where built-in cabinets are provided.

9.5.7.3. Areas of Combination Bedrooms

(1) Bedroom spaces in combination with other spaces in dwelling units shall have an area not less than 4.2 m .

Hope this helps.

5/5/2017 at 9:32:50 AM

I would add that as far as realtors and condominium boards go, they may have their own definition of bedrooms. Many realtors either cannot or will not (depending on area) list a room without a closet as s bedroom sometimes due to te applicable boards standard for that area.

5/5/2017 at 9:42:47 AM

If your bedroom does not have a closet then a custom built-in is your best option.

5/5/2017 at 3:12:53 PM

No, there are no code requirements for closets.