Glossary · Taxes and government
Secondary suite
A secondary suite is a self-contained rental unit inside a house, usually in the basement, with its own kitchen, bathroom and entrance.
Most North Shore single-family zones allow one, but it has to meet the BC Building Code and local permit rules to be legal. Unpermitted suites are common in older houses. They can affect insurance, and lenders may count less of their rent when you qualify for a mortgage.
Ask for the permit history before you count on suite income, and have the inspector look at fire separation, ceiling height and exits.
Related terms
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm the current figures with the province or your notary or lawyer before relying on them.
