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Do you have space in your home to add a second unit, like an apartment, but not sure how to get started?

Oxford County’s My Second Unit helps homeowners plan and finance a secondary, self-contained dwelling unit in their home with an interest-free, forgivable loan of up to $30,000.

UPDATE: January 17, 2024

Available funding for the My Second Unit program in 2024 has now been allotted. New applicants to the program will be placed on a waiting list until more funding becomes available.

 

What is a second unit?

A second unit is a single, self-contained, rental apartment with its own entrance, kitchen, sleeping area and bathroom. While many second units are basement apartments, they can also be created in an accessory building on the property, like above a garage

Homeowners can benefit from additional rental income, and adding a second unit may help raise your property value and personal equity. Second units also provide affordable housing options for tenants in established neighbourhoods, close to jobs, transit and shopping. Second units benefit communities by helping to address a shortage in affordable housing options.

Download the information sheet | See guideline documents

 

About the My Second Unit program

Program highlights
  • If you application is successful, the loan amount is fully forgivable following a 10-year forgiveness period without default.
  • The second unit (apartment) is required to be rented at the Average Market Rent (AMR), as specified by the County, for the 10-year period.
  • Homeowners must own their home and it must be their primary residence during the 10-year forgiveness period.
  • Homeowners are required to rent to tenants with household incomes at or below $112,700 (2024).
  • Funding may be used to cover the costs for municipal zoning verification or rezoning applications, building permits, and other permits as required. 
  • Homeowners will be required to enter into a Standard Lease Agreement.
Program eligibility
  • The owner of the property must be at least 18 years of age or older.
  • The applicant(s) must be a legal resident of Canada.
  • The applicant(s) must live in the home where the second unit is proposed.
  • The home where the second unit is proposed must be the sole and principal residence of the applicant(s).
  • Property tax and mortgage payments on the principal residence must be up to date.
  • Insurance coverage must be in place for the full value of the home.
  • The applicant(s) must not be in the process of applying for bankruptcy or have an active bankruptcy file.
  • The applicant(s) cannot have previously received a loan under the County’s Affordable Home Ownership
  • Program.
  • The proposed secondary unit must comply with the requirements of the Ontario Building Code, applicable zoning by-law provisions, and property standards by-law (proof of a building permit and/or zoning compliance will be required from the local municipality), and any other applicable regulations.
 Documents and resources

My Second Unit: Handout (February 2024)

My Second Unit: Program Funding Guide (February 2024)

My Second Unit: Building & Landlord Guide (July 2023)

 

Process for secondary unit funding under the My Second Unit program

Stage One: Homeowner. Complete the Homeowner Checklist included in the application package. Stage Two: Homeowner and Building Department. Written confirmation from your local Building Department that a second unit can be created in your home. Stage Three: Oxford County. Your My Second Unit Program Funding Application is submitted to the County. Stage Four: Oxford County and Homeowner. County issues conditional letter of approval to homeowner. Stage Five: Homeowner and Building Department. Homeowner receives building permit from local Building Department and submits to the County. Stage Six: Oxford County and Homeowner. Loan Agreement is executed by Homeowner and County then registered on property title. Stage Seven: Oxford County. Up to 30% of loan amount is released - Work starts to create second unit within 30 days. Stage Eight: Homeowner and Building Department. Work is completed - Occupancy awarded to Homeowner by local Building Department. Stage Nine: Homeowner. Provides proof of lease, rent amount and tenant income. Stage Ten: Oxford County. Remaining eligible program funding is released to Homeowner.

 

In the news

Manager of Housing Development Rebecca Smith joins Shannon Woolley on Rogers TV-Woodstock "What’s Up Oxford" to discuss the My Second Unit program.


More information 

Human Services – Housing Programs Coordinator
519-539-9800 | Toll-free: 1-800-755-0394
humanservices@oxfordcounty.ca