Have you recently purchased a home or been on the hunt for a house with a “legal” basement suite? As a savvy way for property-wise investors to make a little extra cash and help cover mortgage costs, renting out your basement can be a smart move for the long term. With more and more Edmontonians looking to explore the possibility of basement suites in their own home, it’s important to remember that, in order to be considered legal, such suites must adhere to staunch requirements. Below, we’ll cover some of the key areas you need to have in mind when building, or purchasing a home with an existing suite for the intention of renting. Read on to learn more!

1. Separate Entrances

One of the most distinct requirements of legal secondary suites is a dedicated separate entrance from the main entryway for the home. This is designed both for safety and privacy, and the separate entrance must be sufficiently fireproof and unobstructed if it enters into a common hallway.

2. Egress Windows

Egress windows, or rather a lack thereof, are another common culprit when it comes to disqualifying suites from being legally rentable. Egress windows are designed to act as an emergency escape and must be large enough to ensure that an occupant can exit through them if needed.

Interconnected Smoke Detectors

As with all legal suites, both the upstairs and downstairs units will need to have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Where the requirements differ for secondary suites is that detectors need to be interconnected in order to notify renters on both floors in case of emergency.

Separate Heat Sources

Legal secondary suites must also have their own dedicated heat sources that tenants can independently control. This requirement can be particularly tricky to address depending on the age and existing setup of your property.

Legal Secondary Suite Renovations: What to Expect

If your property is missing any of the above standards, you’ll need to take steps before putting it up for rent. One thing that’s worth noting is that, unlike many other kinds of renovations that can be completed fairly quickly, secondary suite renovations can take longer and cost more than you might expect due to the complex nature of meeting all the requirements outlined by city bylaws. Partnering with a skilled team like the crew at Peak Improvements ensures that everything can move forward as quickly, and as safely, as possible. Contact our team today to learn more about getting started with legal basement suites!