Guide for renters
Renting a basement apartment in Ontario: a checklist
Basement apartments are a big part of the rental market in Mississauga, Brampton, Toronto and across Ontario. A good basement suite can be private, quiet and affordable. Use this checklist on your tour.
Safety first
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms: there should be working alarms in the unit. CO alarms are required near sleeping areas if the home has a fuel-burning appliance (like a gas furnace) or an attached garage.
- A way out in a fire: look for a separate exit, or bedroom windows large enough to climb out of.
- Is the unit registered or approved? Many cities require second units to meet the Ontario Building and Fire Codes, and some, such as Brampton, require them to be registered. Ask the landlord, and check with the city if you're unsure.
Comfort and condition
- Ceiling height, natural light and window size in each bedroom.
- Signs of moisture: musty smell, stains, peeling paint near the floor.
- Heating: is there a separate thermostat, or is heat controlled upstairs?
- Noise from upstairs, and whether laundry is shared.
Money and practical details
- Utilities: are they included, or split as a percentage with the upstairs unit? Get the split in writing.
- Entrance: separate side entrance, or through the main house?
- Parking: how many spots, and is the driveway shared?
- Internet: included or separate?
Your rights
If the owner lives upstairs but your suite has its own kitchen and bathroom, the Residential Tenancies Act usually still applies. The landlord should use the standard lease, and the normal deposit rules apply.
Ready to look? Browse basement apartments by city.