# What is a WSIB clearance certificate, and why does a property manager need one?

Updated 2026-10-02.

A WSIB clearance certificate confirms that a contractor is in good standing with the WSIB. It matters because the principal, the party who hires the contractor, may be liable for that contractor's unpaid WSIB premiums and other amounts owed, up to the value of the labour portion of the contract. A valid clearance relieves the principal of that liability for the period it covers.

## How long a clearance lasts

Up to 90 calendar days, depending on the date it is issued, and it is renewable. A trade you use every week needs a current clearance for each period you hire them in, not one collected at the start.

## When the construction rules apply

WSIB policy 14-02-19 covers construction work, meaning work in the industries WSIB classifies as construction (Class G). It applies based on the work contracted, not the principal's own industry. For that work:

- The principal and contractor must ensure a clearance is obtained before the work begins.
- Both must keep a record of clearances for at least three years from the date they were obtained.

## Outside construction

WSIB's general clearance policy, 14-02-04, applies to all principals who let a contract. Without a clearance, the principal may be liable for the contractor's unpaid premiums and other outstanding amounts, up to the value of the labour portion of the contract.

## The homeowner exception

The construction policy does not apply to householders who occupy, or will occupy, a private residence and directly retain a contractor for exempt home renovation work. That exception is written for people hiring work on the home they live in.

## How Roundhouse handles it

Roundhouse checks each trade's WSIB clearance before booking and before every payment and keeps the record with the job. See [rental repairs in Toronto](https://roundhousegroup.ca/services/repairs/) or [request work](https://roundhousegroup.ca/request-work/).

## Related pages

- [What temperature does a Toronto landlord have to keep a rental unit at?](https://roundhousegroup.ca/answers/toronto-heat-bylaw-landlord/)
- [Does a Toronto landlord have to provide air conditioning?](https://roundhousegroup.ca/answers/air-conditioning-rules-toronto-rentals/)
- [What is a landlord responsible for maintaining in an Ontario rental?](https://roundhousegroup.ca/answers/landlord-maintenance-obligations-ontario/)

## Questions

### How long is a WSIB clearance certificate valid?

Up to 90 calendar days, depending on the date it is issued, and it is renewable.

### How long do clearance records have to be kept?

For construction work, WSIB policy requires principals and contractors to keep a record of clearances for at least three years from the date they were obtained.

### Does Roundhouse check WSIB clearances for its trades?

Yes. Every trade's WSIB clearance is checked before it is booked and again before every payment. A trade without a current clearance gets no new jobs, and its payment waits until one is on file. See [how we vet trades](https://roundhousegroup.ca/how-we-vet-trades/).

### Does the clearance rule only apply to construction?

No. WSIB's general clearance policy applies to all principals who let a contract, with the same exposure up to the labour portion of the contract. The construction policy adds that a clearance must be obtained before the work begins.

## Sources

- [WSIB Operational Policy Manual 14-02-19, clearance certificate in construction](https://www.wsib.ca/en/operational-policy-manual/clearance-certificate-construction)
- [WSIB Operational Policy Manual 14-02-04, clearance certificate](https://www.wsib.ca/en/operational-policy-manual/clearance-certificate)
- [WSIB, clearances](https://www.wsib.ca/en/businesses/premiums-and-payment/clearances)

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