Registration of a Two-Unit House

What is a two-unit house?

A "two-unit house" means a detached house, semi-detached house, or row house which contains two residential units.

Why register?

City of Oshawa By-law 41-2001 requires that all two-unit houses be registered. Failure to register a two-unit house is an offence under the By-law.

Does your two-unit house qualify for registration?

A house is eligible for registration upon satisfying the following criteria:

• The applicant must satisfactorily prove that two independent dwelling units existed in the house on November 16, 1995, or establish that a Building Permit had previously been issued to permit the conversion of a single detached, semi-detached or row house dwelling to a two-unit house.
• The house must have been originally constructed as a single detached dwelling, semi-detached dwelling, or row house dwelling consisting of a single dwelling unit only.
• Two vehicles can be parked on the property in compliance with the parking standards set out under City of Oshawa Zoning By-law 60-94, as amended.

How do I apply to register my two-unit house?

An application for registration is available from Municipal Licensing and Standards. The fee for registration is $150.

Completed applications are required to include the following information:

• Owners name and address.
• Applicant name, if other than the owner (in such cases the owner will be required to authorize an agent to make application).
• Proof that two separate self contained dwelling units existed in the house on November 16, 1995. This may include a sworn declaration along with cancelled rent cheques, rental agreements which would identify the occupancy of the house on Nov. 16, 1995, income tax satements or other documentation which would support your application.
• The location of the dwelling units and a description of their physical design.

What happens after I submit my application for registration?

• Your application will be reviewed to determine whether it satisfies the criteria for registration.
• You will be contacted to arrange for an initial inspection of your house by staff from:
  • Oshawa Fire Services, and
  • the Property Standards Section of Municipal Licensing and Standards.
• Your dwelling will be inspected for compliance with the Ontario Fire Code, the City of Oshawa Property Standards By-law, and parking standards set out in the City of Oshawa Zoning By-law. In addition, an inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority will be required; a contact person and telephone number will be provided by Fire Services and this will be carried out separately.
• The findings of the inspection will be documented and forwarded to you in writing. The report will identify any required work and the date for a final inspection of the completed work.
• A final inspection will be arranged at a convenient time with you to inspect the required work identified in the initial inspection report.
• Upon satisfactory completion of the work, you will be issued a Certificate of Registration from the City which indicates that your Two-Unit House is registered with the City of Oshawa.

What are the advantages associated with registration?

• The inspection process associated with registration will make your two-unit house safe.
• Registration will aid Fire Services and other Emergency Services in dispatching appropriate staff and equipment in calls for assistance.
• Your house will be officially recognized as a two-unit house by the City. This will assist in future real estate transactions.
• Prospective tenants will be able to verify whether a rental unit in a two-unit house has been inspected and registered with the City.

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