A secondary suite, also known as an accessory dwelling unit, is a self-contained living space within a primary dwelling unit. A Burnaby home/ house with 2 kitchens offer numerous advantages, such as serving as a mortgage helper by providing rental income, enhancing the overall value of the property, enabling aging in place by accommodating extended family members or caregivers, and contributing to the availability of affordable housing options within the community.
The City of Burnaby outlines specific steps to follow when applying for secondary suites in homes to ensure compliance with local regulations and safety standards. These steps depend of the type of home:
- In an existing family home
- In an existing two-family home
- In a new single family home
- In a new two-family home
Residents who rent out any part of the property in Burnaby are required to complete a Supplementary Utility Fees Declaration, indicating whether they are renting out their property or any suite within it. If you have not yet submitted this form, are a new property owner, or if there has been a change in the rental status of your property, it is mandatory to complete a declaration within 30 days of the change. This declaration ensures that the city has accurate information regarding rental properties within Burnaby and helps determine utility fees accordingly. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in penalties or fines. Therefore, it is essential for homeowners to adhere to these regulations and submit the necessary declarations in a timely manner.
Renting an unregistered secondary suite in Burnaby can lead to serious consequences, including a $1,000 fine under the Burnaby Waterworks Regulation Bylaw and the Burnaby Sewer Charge Bylaw. This penalty may be enforced for various reasons, such as failing to submit a declaration regarding the rental status of the suite, neglecting to provide an additional declaration within 30 days following any changes in the rental status, or submitting a false or inaccurate declaration.
For more information about Burnaby Homes/ Houses with suites (Homes with Mortgage helper) check Burnaby city website. You will find which documents are required for a Secondary suite permit application, what Burnaby City services are available to you, what should you consider when designing a Burnaby Home/ House with suite, etc.
Learn about the HUGE changes in Real Estate market that are coming in January 2023. Canada Ban on Foreign Buyers, BC Home Buyer Rescission Period, BC End of Rentals and Age Restrictions in Strata Properties. These changes, together with the higher interest rates, will have an impact on Burnaby house prices, and the number of Burnaby single family homes for sale listings.
Explore more changes in the Federal Budget 2024!
