Legal basement apartments in Ontario.

By EnerTrust · Updated November 6, 2026 · Ontario homeowners

Start with the home you have.

A basement renovation becomes a rental-suite project when the plan is to create a separate place for someone to live. The right starting point is a property assessment: how the space is used, how someone enters and exits, and how the proposed suite works with the rest of the home.

EnerTrust’s assessment looks at layout, ceiling height, windows, access, existing plumbing and heating, and the work needed for your proposed suite. We confirm the scope before pricing and scheduling the project.

Approvals come before occupancy.

Ontario’s guidance says adding a second unit requires a municipal building permit. The application includes the proposed design and supporting information. Required inspections follow the work. Electrical work also has separate Electrical Safety Authority requirements.

Provincial housing policies support additional residential units on eligible properties, while the project still has to meet the applicable requirements for the property. Municipality, servicing, site conditions and the proposed design all matter. The assessment is where we identify the approval path for your home.

What we review with you.

• Access and privacy: how residents enter and exit, and where a separate entrance is needed.
• Life safety: the required fire separation, exits, smoke and carbon-monoxide protection, and inspections.
• Comfort: ventilation, heating, plumbing and sound-control measures that suit the approved design.
• A complete home: a kitchen, bathroom, necessary appliances and a practical living layout.

One bedroom or two: start with the space.

A bedroom count is a starting preference, not a confirmed floor plan. The assessment considers the usable space, windows, access, kitchen and bathroom layout, and existing services together. A practical one-bedroom suite can be a better fit than trying to force two bedrooms into a layout that does not work for the property.

Compare both options in the basement rental income calculator. The calculator changes the rent assumption when you choose bedrooms; it does not quote a bedroom-based renovation price. Your assessed scope determines the actual work and cost.

Already finished? Bring the records you have.

If your basement is already finished or has been rented, share any available plans, permits, inspection records and information about previous work. We review what is there and identify what still needs to be confirmed with the applicable authorities before proposing an upgrade. A finished appearance alone does not establish the approval status of a rental suite.

One coordinated route through the work.

Your program brings the assessment, design coordination, permit applications, licensed electrical and plumbing trades, construction and required inspections into one process. After the suite is ready for occupancy, MAPZ Property Management handles tenant placement and ongoing management under your agreement.

Our selected finish package helps coordinate purchasing and scheduling. Your written program agreement confirms the construction start date, the 60-day completion guarantee, the agreed rent, and the guarantee’s conditions. The completion period does not mean every property receives an automatic permit.

Your next step is specific to your property.

Bring your city, approximate basement size, photos if available and goals to the free basement suite assessment. We will discuss the layout, approvals, project scope, financing estimate and management. You can also review the cost and payment example and read the program information.