My Second Unit

Updated August 12, 2022

Oxford County Council approved the "My Second Unit" program on August 10, 2022.

The program will provide eligible homeowners with a grant of up to $15,000 for the purpose of creating a new secondary rental unit within their home. Under the program, homeowners will be required to enter into a funding agreement to ensure the secondary unit is rented:

• at or below the Ministry-approved average market rent;
• to a tenant meeting a set household income threshold;
• for a minimum of 10 years. Find out how to apply

The "My Second Unit" program will help provide more "missing middle" housing to help address the current rental supply shortage.

Visit the My Second Unit program on the Oxford County website

See project updates

April 26, 2022

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

Oxford County is in the process of launching a secondary unit program to help homeowners plan, finance and rent out a secondary, self-contained dwelling unit in their home. It is expected that the program will offer:

• information and resources;
• training and guidance;
• landlord support services, such as tenant vetting/ reference checks; and
• a forgivable loan of up to $15,000 for construction costs.

This program is supported by municipal funding and the Government of Ontario's Add a second unit in your house program.

What is a secondary dwelling unit?

A secondary unit is a separate, self-contained dwelling unit that includes a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area. Secondary units may consist of an apartment within your home (upper, main or basement level) or, potentially, on your property above a laneway garage or in a coach house. More info

To be considered legal, the secondary unit must meet all local zoning, building and fire code requirements. Please contact your local municipality before deciding to add a secondary unit to your home.

Why?

For homeowners, a second unit can be an additional source of income to assist with household expenses, contribute to savings, or make home ownership more feasible.

For communities with a low rental vacancy rate, like in Oxford County, secondary units can also help address a shortage in affordable housing options.

Have your say

To make sure this program meets the needs of our community, we're looking for feedback from potential landlords. You can have a say in how the program is planned and designed by: