What are tenant screening best practices for a Calgary basement suite?

Tenant screening for a basement suite is a property management and landlord-tenant law topic, not a basement renovation subject — it's outside the scope of what Basement IQ covers.

For landlord resources specific to Alberta, the Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta) governs the relationship between landlords and tenants, and Service Alberta has published guidance for both parties. The Landlord and Tenant Advisory Board and organizations like the Calgary Residential Rental Association (CRRA) are good starting points for screening practices, lease agreements, and tenant rights in Alberta.

Where Basement IQ can help is on the renovation side of running a legal basement suite — things like:

• What makes a basement suite legal in Calgary — fire separation requirements, egress windows, separate entrance, permit requirements, and the development permit process through the City of Calgary
• What a legal secondary suite costs to build — typically $40,000–$80,000 depending on scope and existing conditions
• Insulation, soundproofing, and HVAC considerations for a suite that's comfortable for tenants year-round, including Calgary's cold winters
• Radon testing before finishing — Calgary sits in a high-radon zone and this is especially important in a suite where someone will be living full-time

If you have questions about building or renovating a basement suite, we're happy to help. And if you're ready to get matched with a contractor who specializes in legal secondary suites in Calgary, Calgary Basement Remodeling can connect you for free through the Calgary Construction Network.