Real Estate Agent Convicted of Operating Illegal Basement Apartment

Brampton – A Brampton real estate agent has been convicted of operating an illegal basement apartment.

Real estate agent Brian Wilding was convicted in Provincial Offences Court on Jan.31 of illegal use of lands.He was fined $25,000 and issued a prohibition order. This is the maximum penalty for this offence.

On Feb. 15, 2006 Enforcement & By-Law Services received a complaint that a Brampton home on Edenborough Drive had been modified to contain three apartments, a main apartment and two illegal basement apartments. The illegal basement apartment came to light after it was discovered for sale on Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

This is the second time Wilding has been convicted of operating an illegal basement apartment. Wilding was convicted on Feb. 18, 2004 on the same charge and for failing to register a two-unit house.He was fined $200 and $400 respectively.These charges were associated with the same residential address.

"This conviction is a victory for the City of Brampton," said Matt Holland, Director of Enforcement and By-Law Services."Council's efforts to eliminate illegal basement apartments are starting to have an impact. We will continue to work with the Brampton Real Estate Board (BREB) and the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) to deal with this problem."

The Fire Code regulates fire safety in homes including the requirements for dividing walls, exits, smoke alarms and electrical safety. "Basement apartments that do not satisfy the provisions of the Fire Code may be a fire safety hazard and tenants lives could be put at risk," said Fire Chief Terry Irwin.

Enforcement and By-Law Services is increasing its efforts to eliminate illegal basement apartments by allocating additional resources to target parking problems and investigating complaints. Staff will continue to scrutinize MLS listings and classified ads and will charge both buyers and sellers.