Mortgage Helpers. There's quite a bit of demand these days for additional income to help reduce the costs of mortgage expenses so a lot of buyers are looking for properties with rental or Secondary suites. 
Secondary suites provide affordable, ground-oriented rental housing and contribute to the amount and diversity of housing available in the city, while preserving the character of residential neighbourhoods.
Secondary suites must meet the regulations of the Zoning Bylaw, Secondary Suite Design Standards, and Building Code. Secondary suites cannot be strata-titled, sold, or used for short term rentals, but can be used for family or as long term rental units.
Contact the Planning Division of any City you re buying in to confirm whether a secondary suite is permitted at a property.
You can only have 1 legal secondary suite per single family home. The suite can not have separate title, nor can it be stratified (unless special municipal zoning allows).
What is a secondary suite?
A secondary suite is a living area contained within a one-family dwelling. Secondary Suites have their own kitchen and living area and may share internal access with the main dwelling unit, but have their own separate external access door. It can occupy up to *40% of the square footage of the home. Some common space may be shared with the primary residence (example: laundry room). *
A secondary suite is a living area contained within a one-family dwelling. Secondary Suites have their own kitchen and living area and may share internal access with the main dwelling unit, but have their own separate external access door. It can occupy up to *40% of the square footage of the home. Some common space may be shared with the primary residence (example: laundry room). *
There are a few special cases in dense areas like Burnaby UniverCity area where zoning allows secondary suites within apartments.
What a secondary suite is not…
A secondary suite is not a laneway house, nor a cottage house, nor an attached dwelling. Secondary suites are not allowed in multi-family buildings like townhouses, duplexes, or apartments UNLESS there is special zoning (like in UniverCity Burnaby where suites within an apartment may be allowed).
A secondary suite is not a laneway house, nor a cottage house, nor an attached dwelling. Secondary suites are not allowed in multi-family buildings like townhouses, duplexes, or apartments UNLESS there is special zoning (like in UniverCity Burnaby where suites within an apartment may be allowed).
When you are looking at a listing, It is not uncommon to see this clause in the listing :
Properties Containing Unauthorized Accommodation Clause
The Buyer is aware that the property contains unauthorized accommodation and has been informed of the consequences of such ownership and the potential loss of income should the rental use be discontinued.Is this Declaration enough?. Does it protect you a a Buyer?
What is an Unauthorized suite and what are the implications of buying a property with an Unauthorized suite?
Unauthorized suite – A suite that does not meet all the requirements of a legal suite. It is popularly used to describe secondary suites that meet most but not all legal requirements. For example, a secondary suite can meet all the basic legal requirements and have a kitchen, separate entry, bedroom, and bathroom but have issues with window size or ceiling height, fire separation. A common problem is lack of additional parking space.
What happens if a secondary suite is unauthorized?
If an unauthorized secondary suite comes to the City’s attention, the City may investigate and pursue appropriate enforcement action, particularly where health or safety concerns are identified. This action may include the requirement to authorize the suite by bringing it into compliance with City bylaws or to remove the suite (see our guide titled Removing a Secondary Suite) and will require a permit.
If an unauthorized secondary suite comes to the City’s attention, the City may investigate and pursue appropriate enforcement action, particularly where health or safety concerns are identified. This action may include the requirement to authorize the suite by bringing it into compliance with City bylaws or to remove the suite (see our guide titled Removing a Secondary Suite) and will require a permit.
Can I authorize my suite?
In some cases, a secondary suite may be required to be removed rather than authorized. For example, if there is more than one suite in a single detached house, if there is a secondary suite in a duplex unit or townhouse, or if a secondary suite is not otherwise permitted based on the zoning of a property, the secondary suite may be required to be removed.
What do I need to make my suite an Authorized Suite?
When adding a secondary suite to an existing house, the following items will need to be reviewed for Building Code compliance:
Access and entrances,
Ceiling height,
Window size and area,
Fire separations,
Heating and ventilation systems,
Electrical and gas systems, and
Fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
Access and entrances,
Ceiling height,
Window size and area,
Fire separations,
Heating and ventilation systems,
Electrical and gas systems, and
Fire and carbon monoxide detectors.
What is the difference between an illegal, unauthorized, or legal suite?
In BC, secondary suites are considered with a range of status:
Legal suite – a suite that has the proper zoning, meets building codes and permits and has appropriate yearly license/permit if applicable.
Family suite – a suite occupied by family members of the principal property resident has special status. Rental by family members are exempt from some of the requirements. For example, in a property with strata rental restrictions, family suites are exempt from the rental restriction.
Legally non-conforming suite – some older suites do not conform to modern building codes but the city has grandfathered in legal status.
Illegal suite – a secondary suite that does not have approval under city permits for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they are just not declared because the owner is avoiding paying tax on the rental revenue or does not want to bear the cost of the upgrades or permits required.
Unauthorized suite – A suite that does not meet all the requirements of a legal suite. It is popularly used to describe secondary suites that meet most but not all legal requirements. For example, a secondary suite can meet all the basic legal requirements and have a kitchen, separate entry, bedroom, and bathroom but have issues with window size or ceiling height, fire separation etc. A common problem is lack of additional parking space.
In BC, secondary suites are considered with a range of status:
Legal suite – a suite that has the proper zoning, meets building codes and permits and has appropriate yearly license/permit if applicable.
Family suite – a suite occupied by family members of the principal property resident has special status. Rental by family members are exempt from some of the requirements. For example, in a property with strata rental restrictions, family suites are exempt from the rental restriction.
Legally non-conforming suite – some older suites do not conform to modern building codes but the city has grandfathered in legal status.
Illegal suite – a secondary suite that does not have approval under city permits for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they are just not declared because the owner is avoiding paying tax on the rental revenue or does not want to bear the cost of the upgrades or permits required.
Unauthorized suite – A suite that does not meet all the requirements of a legal suite. It is popularly used to describe secondary suites that meet most but not all legal requirements. For example, a secondary suite can meet all the basic legal requirements and have a kitchen, separate entry, bedroom, and bathroom but have issues with window size or ceiling height, fire separation etc. A common problem is lack of additional parking space.
If you have any more questions about buying a property with unauthorized accomodations...Please contact me by filling out the form below, or Text Me at 604-809-6317