Two-Unit Houses

List of registered two-unit houses

A two-unit house is a single detached or semi-detached house converted into two self-contained dwelling units. Below is information to assist with the registration of your two-unit house.

Why Register?

City of Oshawa's Two-Unit House Registration By-law requires all two unit houses to be registered. Failure to register a two-unit house is an offence under the by-law.

What are the advantages associated with registration?

• The registration's inspection process 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.
• Your registered Two-Unit House will receive enhanced Waste pick up services
• Prospective tenants will be able to verify whether a rental unit in a two-unit house has been registered with the City.

Two-unit house registration qualifications

Qualifications for registration are dependent on the date the second unit was installed.

A two-unit house created before July 1994 may be eligible for registration upon compliance with the following standards:

• Property Standards By-law 
• Building Code Act
• Building Code
• Fire Protection and Prevention Act
• Fire code

If the second unit existed prior to July 1994, please contact Municipal Licensing and Standards for further information at 905-436-3311 or email.

A two-unit house created after July 1994 may be eligible for registration upon satisfying the following criteria:

1. Zoning Criteria:
   • It is not located within the Accessory Apartment Restricted Area 
   • It is located within an R1, R2, R5, OS-ORM, AG-A, AG-B or AG-ORM Zone as per the City's Zoning By-law 60-94, provided all following criteria are met:
     • The main dwelling is a permitted use in the zone in which it is located
     • The maximum number of accessory apartments permitted on a lot is one
     • A minimum lot frontage of 11 m
   • The house must have been originally constructed as a single detached dwelling or a semi-detached dwelling (exceptions may apply)
   • Parking requirements as set out under section 5.12 of Zoning By-law 60-94.
2. Compliance with other standards, including:
   • Building Code Act
   • Building Code

If the second unit was created after July 1994 please contact Building Services for further information at 905-436-5658 or email.

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

Registration depends on when your second unit was created.

If the second unit was created prior to July 1994, please complete and submit a two-unit application for registration along with the $250 fee to Municipal Licensing and Standards. In addition, you will be required to submit a completed two-unit declaration form confirming the second unit's existence. Please note that other supporting documentation may be required. Please contact Municipal Licensing and Standards for further information at 905-436-3311 or email.

If the second unit was created after July 1994, a building permit will be required to create and register the second dwelling unit. Please contact Building Services for further information at 905-436-5658 or email.

Forms

• Two-Unit Registration Application
• Two-Unit Declaration
• Agent Authorization form - An owner may authorize another person to act as an agent on their behalf. An agent can represent the owner and attend inspections at the property in the event the owner is unable to.

Contact Municipal Licensing and Standards for other applicable forms.