If you own property in Toronto, whether it’s your principal residence in Roncesvalles, a rental in Bloor West Village, or a family home in The Junction or Swansea, you are required to submit a Vacant Home Tax declaration each year.
**Even if you live in your home full time**
We’re sharing this because every year, we speak with West End Toronto homeowners who assume this doesn’t apply to them. It does. The City of Toronto requires all residential property owners to declare the occupancy status of their property annually.
It takes just a few minutes, but missing it can create unnecessary stress.
What Is the Toronto Vacant Home Tax?
The Toronto Vacant Home Tax (VHT) was introduced to help increase housing supply by discouraging homes from sitting vacant.
Each year, homeowners must confirm whether their property was occupied. If no declaration is submitted, the property can be deemed vacant by default and taxed accordingly.
Who Needs to File?
You must submit a declaration if you own residential property in Toronto — even if:
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You live there as your principal residence
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The property is rented
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The home was only vacant for a short period
Failing to file does not mean you’re exempt, it simply means the City may assume the property is vacant.
Why This Matters in Roncesvalles & the West End
In neighbourhoods like Roncesvalles, property values remain strong. With that comes increased attention to municipal compliance.
We’ve already seen homeowners surprised by notices simply because they forgot to submit the annual declaration.
If you’re:
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Considering selling in the West End Toronto real estate market
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Managing an estate property
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Helping aging parents
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Renting out an investment property
It’s important to make sure your Vacant Home Tax declaration is up to date.
Selling Your Home?
If a move is on your radar this year, it’s worth understanding how the Vacant Home Tax intersects with closing dates, occupancy records, and municipal documentation.
These details are small — but they matter.
As Roncesvalles real estate agents, we help our clients navigate this early so there are no surprises later.
How to Declare
Declarations are submitted directly through the City of Toronto’s online portal and typically take just a few minutes.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve filed, it’s worth checking.
If you have questions about your specific property - whether it’s in Roncesvalles, Bloor West Village, The Junction, Swansea, Sunnylea or the Kingsway - we’re always happy to be a resource.
Preparation creates peace of mind. You have until April 30 2026 to make your declaration.
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Cambridge Realty Group
Roncesvalles & West End Toronto Real Estate
647.966.8663
michael@cambridgerealtygroup.ca
gillian@cambridgerealtygroup.ca
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