While the City of London has introduced highly specific Schedule 23 bylaws for rental properties, landlords operating in St. Thomas, Strathroy, and the broader Middlesex region must still adhere to one universal, non-negotiable law: The Ontario Building Code (OBC).
The OBC is Provincial, Not Municipal
Whether your rental property is in downtown London or St. Thomas, the structural requirements for a compliant basement suite remain identical. If you are converting a lower level into a secondary unit, you are bound by the exact same life-safety regulations:
- Ceiling Height: A strict minimum continuous clearance of 1.95 meters (6'5").
- Egress Windows: Basement bedrooms must have windows offering a 0.38 sq.m unobstructed opening.
- Fire Separations: Continuous drywall and insulation assemblies preventing rapid fire spread between the units.
Resolving Orders in Neighboring Municipalities
If you receive an Order to Comply from a local by-law officer outside of London, the resolution path remains the same. You must secure "As-Built" architectural plans, potentially expose framing for inspection, and submit structural engineering stamped reports to the local building department.
Deep Dive: Facing enforcement action on an unpermitted suite? Read our comprehensive Survival Guide to Resolving an Order to Comply to protect your investment.