A finished basement turned into an apartment has the potential to provide extra revenue. Since basements often contain mold, poor air quality, and other unsafe features, due care must be taken to design the basement for making it safe for the tenants.
Basements can be legalized for the homeowner’s own use or as a Second Unit for renting. Second Units currently provide an affordable housing option for many in the GTA including Brampton and Mississauga, as they allow tenants to rent smaller spaces at affordable prices.
A Second Unit is defined as a self-contained rental unit in a detached or semi-detached house subject to zoning requirements and other restrictions. A Second Unit is a residential unit located within a house and it may be in any part of the house, including the basement.
To be considered as a ’Legal Basement Apartment (Second Unit)’, the apartment should confirm certain zoning, property, occupancy, health and safety, fire, and electrical standards. Also, it is mandatory to register the Second Unit with the City. Registering a Second Unit is a one-time process to make the dwelling safe for the residents of both units. To be legal the unit should meet the following general requirements:
Illegal basement apartments are a risk to the occupants and others in the structure as well as a concern to the community in general. They are dangerous as they may pose a fire risk and other safety concerns such as:
Apply for registration of a two-unit dwelling
Zoning By-law Compliance
Building Code Compliance
Final registration
