05/22/2026
Q: Can I turn my basement into a legal rental apartment in Halifax?
A: Yes, provided it is designed as a "Secondary Suite" and meets all safety codes.
In Halifax, creating a legal basement apartment is considered a "change of use," which always requires a building permit—even if the space is already partially finished. To be legal and rentable, your basement must have fire-rated separations from the main house, interconnected smoke alarms, and "egress" windows in every bedroom to ensure a safe exit in case of an emergency.
Most suites in Halifax are capped at a maximum size of 80 to 90 square metres to remain in the "secondary" category.
Read our full guide on the legal requirements and step-by-step process here: https://na3.hubs.ly/y0h5Ng0