Thinking about turning your basement into a legal basement apartment in Oshawa? Great idea! A rental unit can bring in extra income and boost your property value. But before you list it on the market, you need to make sure it meets all the legal requirements in Ontario—especially in Oshawa, where local bylaws come into play.
Here’s everything you need to know about making your basement apartment legal and safe. If you’re ready to get started, call Wilworks Renovation Ltd. today for a free quote!
What Does a “Legal Basement Apartment” Mean?
A legal basement apartment (also called a second dwelling unit) is one that meets Ontario’s building codes and Oshawa’s zoning laws. That means it has to be safe, meet fire regulations, and have the right permits. If you skip these steps, you could face fines—or worse, be forced to shut it down.
Key Requirements for a Legal Basement Apartment in Oshawa
1. Ceiling Height Matters
Your basement ceiling needs to be at least 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches) high in all living areas. If your basement is too low, you might need to lower the floor or raise the ceiling (which can be expensive).
2. A Safe Way Out (Egress Windows)
Each bedroom must have a proper escape window in case of emergencies. The opening has to be at least 0.35 square meters (3.77 square feet), with no side smaller than 15 inches. If your basement doesn’t have windows that meet this rule, you’ll need to install larger ones.
3. Fire Safety Rules
- You need a fire barrier that provides at least 30 minutes of fire resistance between the basement and the main living area.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in every bedroom and on each floor—and they all need to be interconnected. That way, if one alarm goes off, they all do.
4. Proper Ventilation and Natural Light
- Your basement needs to have enough windows to let in natural light. Living rooms should have windows that cover at least 5% of the floor area, and bedrooms should have at least 2.5%.
- It also needs proper ventilation and heating—you can share the home’s HVAC system, but you may need fire dampers installed.
Oshawa-Specific Rules You Need to Know
Every city has different zoning laws, and Oshawa has a few extra requirements for legal basement apartments:
- Parking: You need at least three parking spaces on your property. Two must have easy access to the street (not in tandem), and at least one must be in the side or backyard.
- Landscaping: At least 50% of your front yard must be landscaped, meaning no paving over your lawn for extra parking.
- Lot Size: Your property must have a minimum frontage of 11 meters (36 feet) to qualify for a legal basement unit.
How to Get Your Basement Apartment Approved
To make your basement apartment legal, you’ll need to go through the proper channels:
- Get a Building Permit – Submit plans to Oshawa’s Building Services department. You’ll need detailed layouts showing how your basement meets the code. Wilworks Renovation Ltd. can help with the permit process, making sure your application is done right the first time—give us a call today!
- Schedule Inspections – The city will send inspectors to check for compliance with fire safety, electrical, plumbing, and ventilation rules.
- Register the Unit – Some basement apartments must be registered with the city. Check with Oshawa’s municipal office to see if yours qualifies.
Let Wilworks Renovation Ltd. Handle It for You
Making your basement apartment legal can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Wilworks Renovation Ltd. specializes in legal basement renovations in Oshawa, ensuring that your space meets all the necessary codes and regulations. Call us today for a free consultation and quote!
Final Thoughts
Turning your basement into a legal rental unit in Oshawa is totally doable—as long as you follow the right steps. Not only will you avoid fines, but you’ll also make sure your tenants have a safe and comfortable place to live.
If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consulting a contractor or legal expert can save you time and money. Contact Wilworks Renovation Ltd. today to get started on your legal basement transformation!