Renting a basement apartment in Canada is what newcomers often wonder about when they arrive here. Basement apartments in Canada can prove to be an excellent option for both categories of people: the ones looking to leave their parental homes or those who have newly arrived here.
Typically, landlords practice staying in their homes while renting their basement apartments in Canada. This implies they don’t have to charge the tenants too much rent as they only reside in a part of their home.
Before getting into the renting details, let’s focus on defining the basement apartments.
Defining Basement Apartments in Canada
A basement apartment in Canada is fifty percent beneath the apartment or single dwelling. Typically, these apartments comprise one or more than one bathroom, kitchen, or room that is distinct from the principal house unit.
During your search, you might come across the following types of basement apartments in Canada:
- Basement Apartment – At least fifty percent of the living space will be above the ground level. It has more oversized windows and is a bit distinct from the Cellar apartments. The significant windows tend to welcome more natural light. These basement apartments are treated as separate places from the actual home. They seem more appealing as they tend to provide more square footage than the rest of the apartments.
- Daylight basement apartment – The Daylight basement apartment consists of one larger window and a sliding door. Some people also refer to these as the English Apartments. These tend to suggest low-rise buildings or row houses. They also bring fresh air and sunlight into the living space.
- Garden apartment – This type of apartment is a different form of a basement apartment. Again, this is also fifty percent above the ground level. This apartment version consists of a garden at the entrance and a yard area (smaller) located at the backside of the building. This apartment is a bit elevated compared to a street-level apartment. This, too, offers adequate natural daylight.
- Cellar apartments – These cellar apartments are situated below the ground level. This version comprises ground-level windows. Also, the overall living area is below the ground level.
Basement Apartment in Canada – Is it legal or not?
Make sure that your landlord is able to present a legal basement apartment in Canada. Most importantly, jurisdictions have separate rules and regulations to follow. Landlords must be able to provide the following proof:
- Fire Certificate – The local Fire Authority must provide a Fire certificate.
- ESA Certificate or Sticker.
- The Municipal Building Department must provide a Building Permit Completion or Certificate of Compliance. This will act as registration evidence.
Essentially, these proofs are crucial; one must demand them all from their landlords. These proofs demonstrate whether the basement apartment is legal or illegal.
On the other hand, landlords must keep in mind that their basement apartments comply with the following:
- Building Codes
- Zoning Laws
- Electrical Safety Standards
- Fire Codes
Possible advantages of renting a basement apartment in Canada for newcomers
Newcomers arriving in the country might initially find it challenging to opt for a basement apartment in Canada.
However, they must look at the following aspects to understand that renting a basement apartment might be a better idea because of several advantages:
Reduced Rental Prices
Renting a basement apartment will be less expensive and can invariably reduce your monthly budget. Moreover, this option tends to be less costly than the other rental options. Research shows that in Toronto, the rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment were nearly $2,044 CAD (in 2022). On the other hand, the rental price for a one-bedroom basement apartment is almost $1,500 CAD. Moreover, basement space is less desirable, making it an affordable option for most individuals.
Secure a wider space
The basement space covers and surpasses the overall bottom floor dwelling. This means you will have increased square footage for yourself.
Privacy will be yours
This part of the building will offer a different level of solitude as this space will be relatively quieter than most other parts. This will be unlike the disturbing scenario of living on the ground floor of an apartment block. You will not have to wake up at every individual entering the building. In short, you will not have to deal with the noise issue.
Utilities become a part of the rent
Renting a basement apartment in this country will include utility bills, such as electricity, heating, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, etc. At times, landlords might require you to make payments in the form of a fixed amount or pay a part of these utility bills. This will be in the case of utility bills shared with the principal house.
At other times, homeowners tend to get their basement apartments in Canada furnished (fully or partially). You will save 100 percent on furniture and appliances expenses in such cases.
Exploring the tips for renting a basement apartment in Canada
Keep in mind the following suggestions for renting a basement apartment in Canada to get the maximum benefits and also to avoid legal issues:
- Understand the monthly rental and deposit amount – Before actually choosing the renting home option, analyze whether the rent will be within your budget. Ask your potential landlord if he will include the utilities like electricity, Wi-Fi, parking, water, etc. If you need to pay the bill partially, negotiate with the landlord.
- Shared entrance or separate entrance – If you primarily opt for a basement apartment due to privacy concerns, go for one with a separate entrance, not a common one.
- Lighting issue – Look in detail whether the potential basement apartment will offer you natural lighting; a darker space won’t be a good option anyway.
- Is the basement space legal? – Ensure the landlord provides all proofs of the basement apartment as a legal space. Look for all the relevant documents.
- Infestation check – Go for an infestation check as basement apartments are liable to get this issue. Let the basement space be devoid of spiders and other insects to avoid health risks.
- Lease term check – Mostly, the lease term of rental apartments tends to be at least for a year. However, newcomers must ensure that they opt for shorter lease terms. They must discuss it beforehand with the landlords or homeowners because after attaining a job, the rental costs might rise. Also, you might even seek to move to a new place or neighborhood area sooner or later.
