Registration: Basement Apartments and Second Suites

The following is a summary of the City of Markham's process for the registration of two-unit residential occupancies.

Registration Two-Unit Residential Occupancies By-law

In Brief

As a result of recent legislative changes, namely the More Homes Built Faster Act (Bill 23), all urban residential parcels are now permitted to have up to three units per lot.

For homeowners wishing to have one additional unit in their home, their property would be considered a two-unit house and the construction to create the second suite would include two completely separate residential units, each with its own kitchen, bathroom, living, sleeping and eating areas and a protected pathway to exit the building. For all new construction, a building permit is required and the interior alteration would be subject to the requirements of the current edition of the Ontario Building Code.

At all times homeowners have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of all of the inhabitants of the home, including the tenants.

Exception: If the second suite was created before July 1st, 1993, and the building’s owner is able to prove this, the applicable legislation would be in Part 9 Retrofit of the Ontario Fire Code, namely Section 9.8 for Two Unit Residential Occupancies.

What You Must Know

All two-unit houses must be registered with the City. Both units will be inspected by City officials to ensure compliance with building and fire safety standards. This helps ensure the safety of both owners and tenants.

Scenario 1: Before constructing a new second suite:
•    Contact Building Standards at 905.475.4870.
•    Obtain the necessary permits, inspections and confirm occupancy is granted.
•    Contact Markham Fire & Emergency Services to arrange for a registration inspection.

Scenario 2: If you own an existing two-unit home:
•    Call Markham Fire & Emergency Services at 905.415.7521 to arrange for a fire inspection.
•    Confirm the date of construction of the second suite and submit the Two-Unit House Declaration Form to Markham Fire for review if it was built before July 1st, 1993.
•    the Two-Unit House Declaration Form [PDF]
•    Obtain the necessary permits and inspections and receive your final approval.
•    Complete the registration process with Markham Fire.
•    The fee for the initial inspection by the Fire Department is $260. The fee for registering a two-unit house is $246.

Occupying a two-unit house without registering it may result in court action and fines against the owner. Personal damages that may result from a fire can lead to legal action by the tenants against the owner.

When in doubt, check it out! Help is always available.

For more information call the Fire Prevention Division at 905.415.7521, or email customerservice@markham.ca.

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