Editor:
Beware of illegal suites in British Columbia. I have been to many homes this month that are unregistered and unlicensed. Unregistered and unlicensed suites are also known as "illegal suites" (the common term used) and are usually a way for homeowners to make extra money or cheat taxes (sometimes both). In many cases, they are built innocently as a way to create housing, but unbeknownst to both homeowners and tenants, these kinds of unregistered suites also come with many potential safety hazards (such as fire risk).
The biggest thing to look for when checking out suites is whether or not they have their own separate electrical panel. If they do not, it is not a registered suite.
To find out if a suite is registered, you can call your local municipality, give them the address of the home where the suite you are looking at is located, and they will be able to tell you whether or not the suite is registered. If it is not registered, they will likely start a prompt investigation into the unregistered suite(s). More importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions when looking at your new potential home.
Such as where the electrical panel is located (make sure you see it with your own eyes), when the suite was built, and when it was registered (and ask to see documentation of the registration).
If a suite is registered, any potential landlord will have no problem showing the documentation of registration to you. If they cannot show you where the separate electrical panel is (or say it will be installed "prior" to move-in) or cannot show you the documentation of the registration, you should consider these things major red flags.
Kris Anderson, Burnaby
