Boarders

By definition, a boarder is someone who rents a room in your home to sleep in. This room won't have it's own cooking facilities, and the boarder will have access to shared spaces like the kitchen and bathroom. You can choose to rent just the room or offer room and board, which means providing some meals as part of the agreement. It would be up to you to decide how many meals to include, but cooking in the bedroom is not allowed. The Zoning Bylaw, No. 8770, regulates the keeping of boarders. The aim is to create a safe and comfortable living situation where everyone respects the shared spaces and rules. 
 

A Few Rules

The Zoning Bylaw, No. 8770, allows up to a maximum of five boarders in a one unit dwelling, and two boarders in each unit of a two unit or semi-detached dwelling. 

You must declare the income earned from renting to boarders, but you may be able to claim some tax deductions. Talk to your financial consultant or accountant regarding tax deductions.
 

Why take in a Boarder?

Earn Extra Income

If you’re paying the mortgage on a home and that home has a spare bedroom or two, why not rent out the space? Times are tough, and affordable housing is getting harder to find. You could use the extra income to help pay down your mortgage, pay some bills, or save for a rainy day or that vacation you've been dreaming about! 

Enhance Your Home Security

Whether you live alone, work long hours or travel frequently, taking in a boarder can enhance your security by having someone else living in your house. A busy home is a much less attractive target for criminal activity.

Because You Care

The best reason for taking in a boarder is the simplest – you’ll be helping alleviate a very real crisis situation. Imagine being 20 years old and eager to start or continue with your education, but finding out that you can’t, simply because there’s no affordable place to live. Opening your home up to a boarder can make a lasting difference in a person's life.