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Secondary suites

The Province supports the development of secondary suites and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to provide more affordable long-term housing in B.C. This page has information and a guide for homeowners interested in building and managing a secondary suite or ADU.

Page updated: March 21, 2025

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Adding and managing a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit (ADU)

The housing supply in B.C. has not kept up with the growing demand for housing. More housing is urgently needed for people in B.C. to have a safe, attainable and affordable place to call home. Secondary suites or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) provide an opportunity to quickly add more housing to the market.

Benefits of secondary suites and ADUs

The benefits of adding secondary suites and ADUs include: providing homes for aging parents, adult children or other family members, helping to pay a mortgage or investing in existing property and contributing to more long-term rental housing in communities.

Where are secondary suites and ADUs allowed?

Secondary suites are permitted in most single detached and some side-by-side attached homes across British Columbia. In some communities, property owners may build an ADU instead of a secondary suite. To construct a legal secondary suite or ADU, you must comply with both the BC Building Code and local government zoning and planning bylaws.

Guide: Home Suite Home

The Province has created a guide, Home Suite Home, you can download to help you decide whether building and renting a secondary suite or ADU is right for you.

The guide provides information on

  • Local government zoning and planning requirements
  • Key Building Code requirements
  • Obtaining building permits from local government
  • Tips for hiring a contractor
  • Key provisions under the Residential Tenancy Act
    • Your rights and responsibilities as a landlord
    • Managing the rental process including finding and screening tenants, beginning a tenancy, communication and service requirements, dispute resolution and ending a tenancy
  • Where to find resources and professionals

Download the guide: Home Suite Home

Definitions

Secondary suite

A secondary suite is a complete living unit with its own kitchen, sleeping area, and washroom facilities contained within another dwelling. The two dwelling units (the primary residence and the secondary suite) and any common spaces make up a single real estate entity. A secondary suite cannot be stratified or otherwise legally separated from the main unit.

Accessory dwelling unit

An accessory dwelling unit (often referred to as an ADU) is a self-contained dwelling unit, such as a garden suite, laneway home, carriage house or garage suite, located on the same legal lot as another dwelling. Specific planning rules and building code standards exist for the development of secondary suites and ADUs, providing property owners and tenants with assurances about the safety of their homes.

BC Housing is a Crown Corporation that supports affordable housing, social housing, emergency shelters and out reach for homeless people and administers rent supplements. It also regulates residential construction. BC Housing reports to the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. 

The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs is a provincial ministry responsible for providing British Columbians access to more affordable, safe and appropriate housing through policy and programs, technical codes and standards, strata property legislation and services for landlords and tenants. The Ministry also supports local governments and residents to build vibrant and healthy communities.

Building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or renovating your home to add a secondary suite is exciting but can also raise questions. Find out more about the steps you need to take before you start the process including: permits, zoning, options and energy efficiency.  

The Province is enabling small scale multi-unit housing across British Columbia. 

Small-scale, multi-unit housing describes a range of buildings and housing units that can provide attainable housing for middle-income families. Examples of small-scale, multi-unit housing include: secondary suites in single-family dwellings; detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), like garden suites or laneway homes; triplexes; townhomes and house-plexes.

Learn more, including an option to subscribe for emailed updates.