A secondary suite is a separate unit contained within the main residence, usually the basement, that can be rented out. Having a secondary suite can dramatically increase the value of your home and create a passive extra income for you.

Owning a legal basement Suite can pay off huge for homeowners in the following ways:

  • Landlords can rent out the entire suite.
  • Boost your passive income and increase the speed at which you pay down your mortgage.
  • Help pay for the cost of property taxes as well as home maintenance.
  • Allow extra space and accommodations for visitors such as family or adult children.
  • Increase the net value of your property.

The advantage to potential tenants includes being located on the ground level, giving tenants access to space like a backyard while living in a neighborhood setting instead of an apartment or highrise.

Key Safety Codes for Operating a Secondary Suite in Calgary

All Secondary Suite in Calgary built after March 2018 must comply with the National Building Code, with the most notable requirement being a second heating source, like a furnace, included in each unit. 

These codes can help protect you as a tenant under the occurrence of certain emergencies like fires. Some of the most key safety features include:

  1. One bedroom window, at the very least, must be inside each dwelling, and that window must be able to open from the inside without the use of any special tools or keys. It must be large enough so that anyone can fit through it. In the case of an emergency like a fire, it must also be accessible and unobstructed.
  1. Every single secondary suite or area within like a bedroom or commons areas must have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. All alarms must be interconnected. This ensures that if one alarm is activated, all others will sound simultaneously, providing comprehensive coverage. It’s important that landlords, as well as tenants, test these alarms and detectors regularly.
  1. The unit or secondary suites within the home must have at least one exit that leads directly outside, and there must also be solid core doors with self-closing devices.

All the specifications needed to convert your basement into a secondary suite are here: https://www.calgary.ca/pda/pd/home-building-and-renovations/new-secondary-suite.html

To have a legal secondary suite, you must live in a zone that permits it and obtain a permit from the city of Calgary. The city has recently simplified this process.

Legal Basement Suite Requirements

When planning to convert your basement into a legal suite, there are several requirements to meet in order to comply with local regulations.

Zoning and Permits

First, ensure that your property is located in an area zoned for Secondary Suite in Calgary. If the zoning allows, you will need to obtain a building permit from the city. This is required for all renovations and construction to ensure the suite meets safety and habitability standards.

Safety and Code Compliance

The suite must meet various safety requirements, such as having separate exits, proper fire and carbon monoxide alarms, and adequate ventilation. Each suite must comply with building codes, including those related to ceiling height, windows, and plumbing. The electrical system must be up to code, ensuring both safety and reliability.

Utilities and Access

A legal basement suite must have its own entrance, distinct from the main house, to ensure privacy and safety for the tenants. The suite should also have separate utilities for water, gas, and electricity, or the means to clearly divide the services from the main residence.

CALGARY HOMES WITH Secondary Suite in Calgary

To help clarify the situation with secondary suites, the City of Calgary launched the secondary suite registry and sticker program. The city implemented this initiative to promote the importance of legal and safe secondary suites. Each secondary suite also includes a registered sticker to help promote the suite to current and future residents.

The individually numbered sticker corresponds to the suite’s address which can be verified online as well.

Register your Secondary Suite in Calgary:

https://www.calgary.ca/pda/pd/home-building-and-renovations/secondary-suites.html?redirect=/suites


Hiring a professional contractor that is current on all the important laws pertaining to secondary suites and can handle the job is a very smart move as doing it yourself can be a massive headache and be very time-consuming. Go to: https://tartinbasementdevelopments.com for one of the top contractors in the Calgary area.