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Category: Market Rental | Author(s): Elijah Watson
Image Credit: Elijah Watson
Location Address: 104 Redwood Crescent, Kamloops, BC V2B 1C7, Canada
Subject
Illegal suites, in the scope of this project, refer to any suites within the city of Kamloops that do not meet the code specifications set up by the city and the BCBC (British Columbia building code). The city of Kamloops follows the guidelines established by the BCBC fairly closely, with a couple of key differences in regard to secondary suites.
The topic of illegal suites is well known but little discussed aspect in the discourse of renting within the city. There is a genuine struggle to find affordable housing that is both safe and appealing. The introduction of the secondary suite into the occasion seems to present a solution: Cheaper rental properties for short-term inhabitation, while providing an opportunity for homeowners to create an additional revenue stream.
The benefits of secondary suites are clearly visible, and they do help to alleviate the shortage of available housing the city is facing. However, this solution is not a permanent one, and carries its own problems when not handled in a sustainable and forward-thinking way.
Crisis
The issue lay in the fact that more often than not, the homes having secondary suites retrofitted into them were not designed with this is mind. Most single-family homes are poorly equipped to actually handle secondary inhabitation. This can range from very minor, to incredibly major issues arising. Without being built specifically to deal with these issues, these rental suites run the risk of not only stripping those inhabiting them of basic privacy, but sometimes actively put them in danger.
Illegally built or maintained suites run the risk of voiding insurance, undue harm from accidents (Fires, flooding) and other various issues. Besides the major risks, suites not built to code often lack basic amenities that would be considered standard in other homes, such as separate utilities and entrances, parking, even going as far as lacking basic privacy from those co-inhabiting the spaces.
In addition, the city is in a bit tricky situation in enforcing zoning and suite by-laws due to the overarching housing crisis. While it knows that illegal suites are present, it can’t exactly zealously enforce the rules to the general lack of housing in the area without further reducing the already low availability in the city.
Many of these suites also simply are not up to human habitation standards, putting those living within them at risk. The city’s policy on enforcing zoning and suite by-law means that more illegal suites are present throughout the city. While not all suites are dangerous, those that are effectively shielded unless directly called out to be addressed. This would not be an overtly large issue if the availability of housing in the city was more prevalent but as is many individuals rely upon illegal suites for a home.
Video Credit: Cheryl Gladu, Elijah Watson
Community Implications
Kamloops has a distinct lack of available rental housing, much like many cities in the country. Rising rental rates, mortgages and other factors combine into creating a volatile market for many. Anyone, from those leaving home to the first time to those seeking to downsize a little are affected by this shortage, and illegal suites may be the only option available for some. Many individuals are already struggling with the high costs of living and cannot turn away from any offering.
Illegal suites also directly compete with legal suites, often undermining those who take the time to ensure that their suite offerings are up to code and registered with the city. This, combined with the relatively easy to (often poorly) retrofit a section of the home into a secondary suite, often for much cheaper than the homeowner that takes the time to properly renovate their home to ensure tenant safety and privacy.
Without properly gauging the availability of public infrastructure (things such as parking), the addition of multiple new suites to an area can create issues for neighborhoods. Illegal suites add to this problem by essentially not being accounted for by the city, therefor not being accounted for in future city planning. While not an up-front issue, it still continues to exist, and with enough time can become something that actively affects the surrounding area.
A Way Forward
We recognize that no one suggestion will solve the housing crisis in Kamloops, but based on our research, here are some ideas that may help move us even slightly forward.
Illegal suites are a symptom of the greater housing crisis Kamloops, British Columbia, and Canada is facing. Proper investment into this crisis will help alleviate the issues presented by illegal suites.
However, this isn’t entirely feasible in the short or mid-term, as such other solutions may be explored. The city in recent years has made strides to alter and change by-law to better support secondary suites. In November of 2021, the city adopted new zoning laws to streamline the process of adding a secondary suite to one’s property, while at the same time making the process to report illegal suites and unsafe occupations easier.
In the cities public surveys regarding the changes to zoning by-laws, one of the most common complaints the city received related to costs and tax increases associated to updating and retrofitting existing homes. As a possible solution, the city could offer incentives in the form of tax-breaks, benefits or grants to homeowners that decide to include a secondary suite in their home. In addition, the city already has a form of free advertising available to suite owners in the form of a residential suite registry. This interactive map highlights suites within the city that are verified to be up to code by the city and are registered. This is basically free advertising for those looking to fill suites, and highlights suites that are free of the risks associated with unregistered and illegal suites.
In conclusion, the issues presented by illegal suites are a nuanced issue that affect many more than just those moving out for the first time. Without taking steps to address the issue, it will only keep growing in size and complexity as more and more individuals come to inhabit these spaces without other options.
