BASEMENT APARTMENTS/ SECOND SUITES

With rising house prices so-called “Second Suites” have been increasing in popularity due to the additional income that can help carry the mortgage bills, increase cash flow or make use of otherwise not needed space.

These five basic requirements determine if an authorized second suite can be created:

1. The principal residence must be at least five years old
2. The house must be detached or semi-detached (town/ rowhouses under certain conditions only)
3. The exterior façade of the house cannot be significantly altered
4. The second suite must occupy a smaller area than the rest of the house and it must be a single, self-contained dwelling
5. The property must meet parking requirements (dome exceptions apply for Toronto)

More detail can be found in this publication: http://www.secondsuites.info/Homeowners_Guide.pdf
(Source: City of Toronto Brochure “Second Suites”)