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Add a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit

Last updated on June 9, 2025

Secondary suites and accessory dwelling units create affordable long-term housing. Learn about construction, management and incentives in B.C.

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About secondary suites and accessory dwelling units

Secondary Suite

A secondary suite is a private self-contained living space within the main home. It has its own:

  • Living space
  • Kitchen
  • Sleeping area
  • Washroom

The main home, the secondary suite and any shared spaces make up a single real estate entity. They cannot be stratified or otherwise legally divided from the other.

Accessory Dwelling Unit

An accessory dwelling unit is also a private, self-contained housing unit on the same property as the main home. Like a secondary suite, it includes its own living space, kitchen, bedroom and washroom.

Some examples include:

Detached units:

  • Backyard guest home
  • Garden or garage suite 
  • Laneway home

Attached units:

  • An extension added to the side of a home or on top of a garage

Internal units:

  • A portion sectioned off from the primary residence

Benefits of adding a secondary suites or accessory dwelling unit

The benefits of adding secondary suites and accessory dwelling units can include:

  • Adding more market housing this is safe, attainable and affordable
  • Contributing to more long-term rental housing in communities
  • Providing flexible housing for aging parents, adult children or other family members
  • Investing in existing property
  • Making your home more desirable for the market
  • Creating rental income
  • Helping to pay a mortgage

Review the Home Suite Home guide

Our Home Suite Home guide (PDF, 4MB) can help you decide whether building and renting a secondary suite or an accessory dwelling unit is right for you.

The guide provides information on:

  • Finding local government zoning information and bylaws
  • Learning about key BC Building Code requirements
  • Obtaining building permits from local government
  • Hiring a contractor
  • Finding resources and professionals

It also includes key requirements under the Residential Tenancy Act:

  • Your rights and responsibilities as a landlord
  • Managing the rental process and your tenancy

Translated Home Suite Home guides

Rules for constructing secondary suits or accessory dwelling units

If you are considering constructing a secondary suite or an accessory dwelling unit, it is best to check with your local government to determine local:

Secondary suites and accessory dwelling units must also follow specific BC Building Code requirements. 

Visit CivicInfoBC to contact your local government to learn more about specific requirements in your area.