Illegal basement suite insurance coverage in Calgary

[VaughnandTwila]

Hello all, I have a rental property in Calgary that contains a illegal basement suite. I have just had the city bylaw inspector there who asked me to remove the kitchen sink, plumbing, stove and wiring. I am considering complying with the request for long enough to have them confirm that I did and then putting it back and continuing to rent the suite as I always have. One concern I have though is if I would be covered by my insurance company in the event of a fire.



Any comments would be appreciated!

 

[Avoidconfusion]

I am pretty sure they can't make you remove the sink and plumbing. I thought they could just make you remove the stove. I would probably try to find out why you were reported to avoid another incident.

Were the neighbors angry?

Was it a disgruntled tenant?

Parking issues?

Poorly maintain grounds?



Good luck in resolving your problem.



Kevin Redmond

 

[VaughnandTwila]

Here are the words that were used in the letter from the city!

As a result of a complaint, an inspection of your property located at XXXXXXX SW, Calgary, revealed that more than the allowable number of Dwelling Units exists on this property.



This is contrary to The City of Calgary Land Use Bylaw 1P2007.


You are required to remove the entire kitchen from the LOWER LEVEL by June 29, 2011. The kitchen includes lower cabinets, sink and plumbing, faucets, countertop, all cooking facilities including but not limited to the stove, microwave, toaster oven, hot plate, cooking utilities, food items and electrical wiring for the stove. The electrical wire must be cut back from the wall at the stove location and at the electrical panel so it cannot be reconnected.

 

[RedlineBrett]

Ask your insurance agent? They shouldn't have a problem. If they do I'll put you in touch with my insurance guy.

 

[kir]

Hi VaughnandTwila,



I'm curious to know what you end up doing?

 

[VaughnandTwila]

We had to comply.

 

[Mike Milovick]

Read the article:



Multiple Convictions for Fire Code Violations in Waterloo



before doing something silly like re-establishing the illegal unit that the City has already flagged.



http://www.ofm.gov.on.ca/en/Fire%20Service%20Resources/Messenger/2009/August-September.asp

 

[housingrental]

What property in Waterloo is that?

 

[Mike Milovick]

The article does not say - but I believe the property was located in Lakeshore if my memory serves me correct. You should be able to google to locate the original KW Record article.



Moral of the story is:

1. Don't do stupid things.

2. Don't do stupid things and then proceed to do the same stupid thing again.

3. Expect there to be dire consequences if you are caught doing the same stupid thing again

 

[wgraham]

Just sat down with my insurance broker today, a very worth while hour of my life and yes this would be covered. I learned a lot about my coverage today including the fact that one of my houses had no insurance what so ever! Don't ask me how that slipped through multiple cracks (me, the insurance company and the bank!)

I highly recommend sitting down and discussing your business with a very competent broker! Could save your BIG $$$

 

[MichelSelim]

[quote user=VaughnandTwila] One concern I have though is if I would be covered by my insurance company in the event of a fire.



Any comments would be appreciated!




Park Insurance has a special program for REIN members. I am sure they will address your concern to your satisfaction.

 

[housingrental]

Interesting post



[quote user=MikeMilovick] The article does not say - but I believe the property was located in Lakeshore if my memory serves me correct. You should be able to google to locate the original KW Record article.



Moral of the story is:

1. Don't do stupid things.

2. Don't do stupid things and then proceed to do the same stupid thing again.

3. Expect there to be dire consequences if you are caught doing the same stupid thing again