DC Talks Podcast With David Cinelli
DC Talks Podcast With David Cinelli
David Cinelli
Ep. 124 | The Truth About Illegal Basement Apartments in Ontario
30 minutes Posted May 27, 2025 at 9:30 pm.
0:00
30:55
Download MP3
Show notes

They’re everywhere in Ontario. Basement apartments that technically shouldn’t exist. You’ve seen the listings. “Great income potential!” But there’s no mention of permits.

No word on zoning. Just a quiet understanding between buyer and seller: don’t ask, don’t tell.We pull back the curtain on the messy, hypocritical, and sometimes absurd world of illegal basement units in Ontario.

From deals that fall apart last minute to tenants who flip the script, this episode dives into the legal grey zones and ethical landmines that realtors, buyers, sellers, and landlords navigate every day.


We cover:


  • What makes a basement apartment illegal
  • Fines that you can get when getting caught with an illegal unit
  • How I got caught and had to renovate to avoid being fined the city
  • Strategies you can use to get the right property with a basement
  • How the Landlord Tenant Board has become a nightmare of landlords


Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, an investor, or a real estate professional, this episode is a must-listen. Looking to buy or sell real estate? Email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram: @davidvcinelli_realtor