Basement apartments are an attractive option to some renters because they often have more square footage than standard apartments. Also, your rent may be cheaper in high-rent locations than in traditional apartment complexes. However, basement apartments are not without problems. In this article, we highlight the four most important points to clarify, along with other key questions to ask before renting a basement apartment.
Basement apartment 101
It’s important to always ask the landlord detailed questions about every apartment. However, basement apartments have a few particular features you should always specifically ask about:
Is the Basement Apartment Legal?
It’s important to ask if the apartment is approved by your local authorities. Local laws regulate whether you can convert a single-family residence into a multifamily residence. There are also multiple codes at various levels that must be met for a basement unit to be considered legal. Ontario apartment rentals must adhere to the Ontario Building Code and Fire Code standards. If the landlord appears to have cut corners on proper compliance and certification, it may mean the basement apartment is not up to code for vital systems, such as heating and plumbing. In the event of a dispute with the landlord, you may forfeit your renter’s rights if you occupy an illegal apartment.
What are the Safety and Security Features?
Ground-floor dwellings are more likely to be broken into, so you should ask the landlord about the apartment’s security measures. The unit should have:
- A strong, working lock for the outside entrance
- Working locks on the windows
- Any inside route from the upstairs dwelling must have a locking door
- Fire escape routes for the basement apartment
- Check for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Are There Potential Health Hazards?
Ask the landlord if the basement apartment has ever flooded. Basements are the first place water goes, from burst pipes to groundwater. Too much moisture can lead to mould and mildew issues, so ask about any past occurrences. Pest problems, such as insects and rodents, are more common in basement apartments, so you should also ask about this.
Renting a basement apartment means that, like it or not, you do have “roommates.” There are usually common areas you will share with other renters or the landlord. Some common areas include:
- Parking: For yourself and guests.
- Laundry room: Inquire whether specific days or times for use apply.
- Backyard patio and lawns: Some landlords will often require renters in homes to do maintenance and upkeep for the yard, so find out what your responsibilities will be.
- Utilities: Basement apartments of homes generally do not have separate utility systems. So, all the heating, cooling, electricity and plumbing systems serve the entire house. Ask whether the rent includes utilities, and if not, how they will be divided. You don’t want to pay an unfair share of the utility bill for services you aren’t using.
If you have allergies or odd working hours, it’s important to learn a bit about the people you’ll be sharing the home with. Pets, young children, and the number of people living above you are important considerations when deciding on a basement apartment.
It is common practice for rental ads to specify basic particulars about the unit, such as pricing, location, and utility information. According to an article by a landlord on the apartments.com site, some questions reveal more than others. So, ask open-ended questions that give the landlord a platform to ramble. The more they talk, the more you’ll learn about the property, and the more you’ll be able to read between the lines. In the article, the landlord explains, “Asking carefully chosen questions will give landlords a chance to explain (or incriminate) themselves, and it can help you discover the not-so-obvious attributes about the property, the landlord, or the contract.”
Additional Basement Apartment Questions You Should Be Ready to Ask
- Can you clarify the rent, deposits, and utility costs? This should help clear up any discrepancies between the asking price and the advertised prices.
- What’s your application process and screening criteria? Knowing the process may help you decide whether you are a good candidate and whether you wish to move forward.
- When are you looking to fill the unit? If your move-in date doesn’t match the landlord’s, it’s better not to waste time applying.
- What payment methods do you accept? Online payments are the best way to pay rent because they offer automation, security, and convenience for both tenants and landlords.
If a credit report is required, ask whether it’s a hard or soft inquiry. If the landlord doesn’t know, it’s probably going to hurt your credit to apply.
- What’s your subletting policy? Things can come up that may prevent you from completing your lease term. Generally, if the lease doesn’t prohibit subletting or mention exclusive occupancy, you can sublet. However, the landlord may require subletters to meet screening criteria and can deny applicants.
- Do you allow early lease termination, and what are the fees?Ontario law does not set a standard early‑termination fee (such as two or three months’ rent). Instead, early termination typically requires assignment, subletting, or a mutual agreement. Tenants must request an assignment or subletting in writing, and landlords may not unreasonably refuse. If a landlord unreasonably refuses an assignment, the tenant may legally end the tenancy with 30 days’ written notice.
- Will I be able to renew the lease or go month-to-month afterwards? Landlords in Ontario are not allowed to require tenants to sign a new lease and cannot evict you for not signing a lease renewal. In order to become a month-to-month tenant, you don’t have to do anything. Your contract AUTOMATICALLY becomes a month-to-month contract when your lease expires.
Tenants who enter into a tenancy agreement with a landlord after April 30th, 2018, may require the landlord to use a Standard Lease. To learn how you can turn your current fixed-term agreement (lease) into a month-to-month tenancy, please click here.
- What is the parking situation? If you are moving into a rental home, it’s important to find out how many cars will be there at any given time. It is also a good question to ask if spots in the driveway or garage are designated. If the ad lists street parking, be sure to ask specifically where it is and if permits are required (as this will add to your monthly costs).
- What’s the procedure for submitting a maintenance request? Not having a definitive answer to this question may suggest the landlord isn’t great at property upkeep. Be sure to ask who is responsible for the repair, whether you need approval to hire someone, and whether you’ll be reimbursed for any fees or parts purchased.
- Which furnishings or appliances are included? Most ads will detail what is included in a rental property. However, with basement apartments, sometimes the owner’s property may be currently in the basement. It may also be furnished by the current tenant. Be sure to get a full list of the appliances and furnishings that will be in the unit and available for your use, so as to avoid any confusion afterward.
Final Thoughts on Basement Apartments
Communication is one of the most important parts of the landlord-tenant relationship. Asking informed questions before renting a basement apartment will give you more insight into the rental situation and property. Take note of how they respond; are they reluctant to answer your questions? Their response will be a good indicator of how you will be treated as a tenant. Remember, it’s important to factor tenant insurance into the monthly rent. Our isure brokers can help ensure you and your property are fully covered for any contingency.
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