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Additional Residential Units – Frequently Asked Questions

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Additional residential units support the City’s Housing Strategy as they:

  • help provide a healthy supply of rental units
  • increase housing options

Learn more about how the City is working to meet local housing needs in our Housing Strategy​.

The ARU registration system was established to ensure that all ARUs are:

  • Safe and legal
  • Compliant with zoning by-laws
  • Properly documented to support emergency response
    • Unregistered units may face enforcement actions and potential insurance consequences. Enforcement could include fines and legal action.

When applying for a building permit, you must submit a legal property survey that:

  • Is clear and easy to read
  • Includes the surveyor’s name and signature

The City will review your survey during the application process. If it is not acceptable, you may need to obtain a new one.

Note: The City of Brampton does not keep surveys for all properties.

Yes, some properties require approval from a conservation authority before adding an additional residential unit.

You will need approval if your property falls within regulated lands governed by:

  • Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), or
  • Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)

Your building permit cannot proceed without this approval.

An inspection recall fee is charged for ARUs (two-unit, three-unit dwellings, and garden suites) in the following cases:

  • If an inspection does not pass on two separate occasions, a fee will be charged for any following inspections,/li>
  • The fees are intended to encourage inspection readiness and reduce repeat visits

For more details, refer to the Inspection Recall FAQ​ and download the Inspection Recall Pamphlet​.

If the proposed ARU design does not conform to the Zoning By-law you may consider making an application to the Committee of Adjustment to request a minor variance. If approved, a minor variance can grant relief from the Zoning By-law requirements. For more information on the minor variance process, click here​. You can also email cao@brampton.ca​ for information.

The Building Code requires specific window sizes for different rooms in a dwelling. The minimum window size is based on the type of room and the associated gross floor area. If you plan to add a below grade entrance and stairs, you will need to consult an engineer or BCIN qualified designer for specifications.

Heritage properties are managed to conserve important cultural heritage attributes. If your property is on the City’s heritage registry it may require heritage approval. Learn more on our Heritage Identification​ page.

Brampton is committed to maintaining a healthy urban forest. That means protecting the trees on private property. For more information, click here​.

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) uses current value assessment to analyze property sales in your community. Municipal property taxes may be adjusted for any renovations or additions if MPAC determines that the value of your home has increased. For more information about property assessments, click here​.

You should also notify your insurance company about your plan to build an additional unit. Your policy may need to be adjusted to reflect the changes in liability and the new value of your home.

​​The Zoning By-law does not require any additional parking spaces on a lot containing one ARU. However, on lots with more than one ARU, an additional parking space will be required to ensure there is at least one space for each unit. All required parking spaces must be located entirely with the boundaries of property on a permitted driveway or garage/ carport. Parking spaces cannot be located on the street or municipal boulevard.​

Yes, a new address for each ARUs in the City of Brampton is provided as a unit number depending on the type of unit as follows:

  • Secondary Unit – Unit 2
  • Third Unit – Unit 3
  • Garden Suite – Unit 4

If you have only a secondary unit and a garden suite, the unit numbering will remain Unit 2 for the secondary unit and Unit 4 for the garden suite. This helps emergency services identify the type of suite when responding to an emergency. Canada Post may not necessarily post the unit number on their website. Contact Canada Post at 1.800.267.1177 for more information.

Yes. All ARUs must be registered, regardless of who lives there. This ensures safety and emergency preparedness.

Yes. Although your Additional Residential Unit (ARU) is registered with the City of Brampton’s Building Division, owners and/or operators cannot rent or allow a unit to be occupied until a Residential Rental Licence (RRL) is obtained. The requirement for a rental licence applies to all properties across the City.

Renting without a licence is prohibited and may result in enforcement action. To apply for a Residential Rental License, visit www.brampton.ca/rrl​ Licence applications and renewals are free.

While compliance with the Electrical Safety Code is required any new construction, including an ARU, you do not need to submit your Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) certificate to the City of Brampton to finalize registration. The City will notify the Electrical Safety Authority on a regular basis about all new ARUs in Brampton.