To put it all simply, if you are developing your basement in Ontario you will need an egress window that has a wide clearance and be easily opened. The Great Egress Company provides a curated collection of windows that meet egress requirements.
What does a basement apartment need to be legal in Ontario?
What makes a basement apartment legal in Ontario?
- At least 145 square feet of space.
- At least 1.95 meters of ceiling height.
- Windows that are at least 5% of the living floor area and 2.5% of the bedroom floor area.
- Hot/cold water, a sink, kitchen sink, and access to laundry.
What is the code for basement windows in Ontario?
Requirements of the Basement Egress Window:
Egress basement windows are required by law to have some sort of step/stairs underneath to provide a safe & easy escape route during an emergency. Basement egress windows must have window wells that are 760m from the window and an opening of 30 inches deep.
Can you have a basement with no windows?
A. Lynn Underwood, an engineer, licensed contractor, and building code official in Norfolk, Va., responds: If a basement measures less than 200 square feet and is used only for mechanical equipment, no windows are required by the IRC, though foundation ventilation, crawlspace access, and flood vents may be needed.
Is it legal to rent a room without a window Ontario?
Windowless bedrooms are illegal
Both the Ontario Building Code and London’s Property Standards By-law require bedrooms to have windows. Section 4.8.
Can you have a bedroom in a basement without a window Ontario?
The Ontario Building Code requires that every floor level containing a bedroom in a suite includes at least one window that can easily be opened from the inside. This window must provide an unobstructed open space greater than 0.35 sq. m.
Does a basement bedroom require a window in Ontario?
Egress Window Requirements for Ontario
National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) requires that every home in Canada must have egress windows in each bedroom. For basements, you need to have egress window in every bedroom designated for sleep.
What happens if I finish my basement without a permit in Ontario?
There are consequences for not getting a permit. You could face a fine, or the municipality may force you to remove walls, ceilings, cabinets and other finishes so that an inspector can determine if the work complies with the building requirements. In the worst case, they’ll have the renovation removed entirely.
What is a legal basement bedroom in Ontario?
Bedrooms located in basements are required to be at least 2100mm (6′ 11”) over the entire area or 2300mm (7′ 7”) over at least 50% of the space, but no less than 1950mm (6′ 5”) under beams and ducts. Bedroom Windows: Windows in a bedroom must be a minimum size for various reasons.
What is the rule for basement?
According to the National Building Code regulations or building by-laws, a basement can be used only for the purpose of storage, dark room, bank cellar, or parking space. Kitchens, bathrooms and toilets are also not allowed in a basement, unless the sewer levels permit the same.
Do you need windows in an unfinished basement?
Unfinished basements are not required to have egress windows. However, if your basement has finished rooms, building codes require a secondary means of egress besides the basement stairs. This can include a large window or patio door in the case of walk-out basements.
How do you ventilate a basement apartment?
Floor fans and a dehumidifier are additional options that may help keep a basement adequately ventilated. Another option is to install exhaust fans that connect to vents located throughout the basement. These fans can be permanently installed in windows or might require cutting through a basement wall to install.
What is a windowless basement?
The “Windowless Basement Law” requires that a fire detection system be installed and monitored in basements with either no windows or windows that are too small for firefighter access. If there is a door it must be above grade level to qualify as an opening.
Can you lease a bedroom without a window?
Whether you’re taking in lodgers or letting the whole property, it can be tempting to market a windowless room as a bedroom to make a little extra money. However, without a suitable window in the bedroom, it cannot be a legal dwelling.
What is considered uninhabitable living situations for a tenant Ontario?
Even though there are no explicit legal definitions of what uninhabitable living conditions are, generally speaking, anything that makes a living in the rental unit or premises impossible would qualify as inhabitable. Examples include: Faulty or dysfunctional plumbing system or gas. Broken/missing windows or doors.
Is it against code to not have a window in a bedroom?
The International Building Code requires every bedroom contains at least one egress window that is 5.7 square feet, at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches high with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor.
What are the legal requirements for a bedroom in Ontario?
Room sizes and floor area
| Room or space | Minimum required floor area |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | 4.2 m 2 (45.2 ft 2) |
| Combined living, dining and kitchen areas in a one-bedroom unit | 11 m 2 (118.4 ft 2) |
| Master bedroom (without built-in closet) | 9.8 m 2 (95 ft 2) |
| Other bedrooms (without built-in closets) | 7 m 2 (75 ft 2) |
Does a bathroom need a window by code Ontario?
A bathroom in Ontario is not required to have a window, but still requires some form of an exhaust fan and a ventilation system that leads to the outside and away from the building.
Is it OK to have a bedroom in the basement?
In short, yes. You can use your basement as a bedroom, but you have to ensure that it complies with the proper building codes. Basement living spaces require an emergency exit and rescue openings, also known as an egress code.
What is considered a finished basement in Ontario?
What is considered a finished basement? Well, it has a completed level, and HVAC system, electricity, finished floors, an accessible entrance or stairway, level ceilings, and finished walls.
How many windows do you need in a basement?
How Many Egress Windows are Required? A basement that is below-grade level on all sides will need a minimum of one egress window, as well as one in each basement bedroom (including guest rooms).