Making your basement rental space is a fantastic option to earn an income from areas you don’t require to meet the local requirements for housing. Many municipalities have regulations for Basement Rental Units that define whether renting your site is legal. If it is, there are particular requirements that your home must meet to be considered a suitable residence. To ensure the best possible results when building the rental space, employ a reliable contractor to ensure that each aspect of the transformation complies with laws while efficiently utilizing your room.
Do You Have a Legal Rental Unit?
However beautiful your rental property may appear, you must ensure that it complies with the standards. In most locations, you will require an official business license that assures an inspector of the building will visit your property to verify that it’s safe and habitable. As an owner, you could be subject to further inspections.
If you attempt to lease space in an area that is not allowed or the room does not comply with local regulations, your property will be deemed illegal. If you break local laws or regulations, you may be penalized or ordered not to rent, expel tenants, or be legally liable.
Legal Requirements to Rent a Unit
Although the requirements differ by location, a rental unit must meet these requirements and more.
- It is structurally sound with a watertight, solid roof.
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, and other mechanical ones should get appropriately installed and maintained to ensure they are functional.
- Stairways need to be built correctly and placed, with an equal rise and suitable treads for stairs.
- The minimum bedroom floor area must be in line with the requirements.
- The ceiling height must meet codes.
- A proper exit should get implemented to allow your property tenants an easy and separate entry.
- Bedrooms should have adequate Egress windows that are suitable for the right windows.
- The fire-rated barriers should be installed, such as smoke alarms.
To obtain approval from the city, you must submit sketches or plans of the lease space.
Wantable Tenant Upgrades
There are further renovations you should be considering to make your area more than only functional but also appealing to attract tenants to your property:
- A kitchen, or at the very least a kitchenette with a fridge, sink, stove, and counter space, is required for the convenience of tenants and to stop tenants from using potentially dangerous homemade cooking equipment.
- A modern restroom includes showers that maximize the available space, light, and brightness.
- Adding lighting fixtures to counteract less natural light can make the area more welcoming and contemporary.
Locate a Professional for Basement Remodeling
Suppose you’re considering turning your cellar into a rental. In that case, conducting your research before hiring an experienced contractor to do the job is essential. Renovating experts know the construction code and how to design a stunning area within the budget and within the code to permit an easy rental. Ottawa Home Pros can help you transform your cellar into a profitable rental property for Ottawa. Contact us today at (613) 288-9145 or mail us at info@ottawahomepros.com.
