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Mississauga Approves Plan to Legalize Basement Rental Apartments

August 11th, 2013 · 4 Comments · Basement apartment, Becoming a landlord

 Mississauga landlords can rent basement apartments

Get ready Mississauga landlords, home-owners and investors. Legal basement apartments are coming to Mississauga!

Ontario laws now require municipalities to allow second units in homes which are also known as basement apartments, in-law suites and secondary suites. 

City Council approved a plan to legalize second units in Mississauga.

According to the City’s Commissioner of Planning and Building “With our plan, homeowners will be able to make their units safe and legal – every city needs safe, affordable housing for people to feel they belong,”

Ed Jajecki continue by stating the Official Plan amendment and zoning bylaw changes approved by Council permit second units in homes in our city

He said units must meet Ontario Building Code standards. And landlords should know the Ontario Residential Tenancies Act and Human Rights Code.

Council also approved a licensing program, and will consider a proposed bylaw to support the program in the fall. 

If approved, the bylaw will set licensing fees and other requirements, such as inspections and proof of insurance, for owners who want to rent second units.

Heather MacDonald is the Director of Strategic Housing Initiatives for the city. According to MacDonald “The City’s goals for legalizing second units include ensuring safety, preserving neighborhood character and maintaining public services.”

Mississauga held public meetings in 2012 to gather the public’s thoughts and ideas about second units in Mississauga.  People could also email their comments or fill out a survey online. 

A statutory public meeting required by the Planning Act was held in early 2013. The City’s Second Units Implementation Strategy is part of Housing Choices: Mississauga’s Affordable Housing Strategy. 

A public education program about legal second units in Mississauga will be available in the fall of 2013. 

Under the municipality’s proposed plan, a dwelling containing a second unit would have to be the principal residence of the owner. Other proposed aspects of the plan include having one mandatory parking spot for a basement apartment and establishing minimum and maximum sizes for the units, among other things. The City also wants to license the units to ensure they’re safe. 

Potential Landlords Beware!  Renting out your basement apartment to the wrong tenant can lead to problems.

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