Why Landlords Need Permit Drawings
Having a proper, legal rental unit is about more than just paperwork — it’s about protecting yourself and your tenants.
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Municipal requirements: Cities across Ontario are cracking down on unpermitted rentals. Without the right drawings, you may be asked to stop renting until your unit is brought up to code.
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Insurance protection: If something goes wrong — a fire, a flood, or even a tenant injury — insurance companies can deny claims if the unit isn’t legal. That can leave you exposed financially.
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Peace of mind: A legal, code-compliant unit means your tenants are safer, and you can collect rent without worrying about unexpected issues.
At The Building Permit Guy, we make the process straightforward. We prepare the drawings you need so your rental can meet building code standards, keep your tenants safe, and give you confidence that your investment is fully protected.
Are you in the rental business? Here's how we can help
Most building orders issued by the City have compliance dates after which, the Building Official can, and likely will proceed with prosecution in a Court of Law.
Protect your tenants and your investment property by ensuring you're up to code! We make getting your building permits a fast, easy and affordable process.
We are a fully registered and insured design firm here to help
If you’re creating a separate basement apartment (ADU), see our ADU services.
How we can help
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Basement Apartments & ADUs – BCIN-certified drawings to bring new or existing suites into compliance.
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Retroactive Permits – If your unit was built without a permit, we prepare the drawings needed to move toward legalization.
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Fire & Safety Requirements – Drawings that account for egress, fire separations, and code requirements.
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Submission Support – We guide you through the municipal permit application process.
Common Landlord Projects
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Converting basements into legal rental units
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Adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in a house or garage
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Legalizing secondary suites built without permits
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Addressing orders from municipalities requiring drawings
FAQ's
Do I need a permit to rent out my basement or secondary suite?
Yes. Municipalities require permits for all new or existing rental units, including basement apartments and secondary suites. Without permits, your unit may be considered illegal, and you could be ordered to stop renting until it meets building code standards.
What if my rental unit was built years ago without permits?
You’re not alone — many landlords are in this situation. Municipalities will often ask for retroactive permit drawings to bring the space into compliance. We prepare those drawings and guide you through the process of legalizing your unit.
Can I keep renting my unit while the permit process is underway?
Each municipality handles this differently. Some may allow tenants to remain during the process, while others may require temporary changes until permits are issued. We recommend consulting with your municipality.
What happens if my unit doesn’t meet today’s building code?
Retroactive permits require that existing work meets current code. If your unit falls short, you may need to make adjustments — for example, improving fire separations or adding egress windows. Our role is to prepare drawings that reflect current standards and minimize the amount of rework needed.
How do permits affect my insurance?
Insurance companies often deny claims for unpermitted units. Having a legal, code-compliant suite protects you if there’s ever a fire, flood, or injury in the rental. It’s one of the best ways to safeguard yourself and your investment.
Do you work directly with landlords, or only contractors?
We regularly help landlords who are managing their own properties. Whether you need drawings for a new suite or to legalize an existing one, we’ll guide you through the requirements step by step.
Get your permit ready Plans now
Want to learn more?
Check out our other residential design project types here