Can I get in trouble for unpermitted work done by a previous owner?

Yes, you can face consequences for unpermitted work done by previous owners in Ottawa, but the City typically works with new homeowners to resolve these issues rather than penalize them.

When you discover unpermitted work in your Ottawa home, the City of Ottawa Building Code Services (613-580-2424) generally takes an educational approach with new property owners. However, you are legally responsible for bringing the property into compliance with current building codes, regardless of when the work was done.

What Happens When Unpermitted Work is Discovered

The City of Ottawa may discover unpermitted work during routine inspections, neighbor complaints, or when you apply for new permits. When this happens, you'll typically receive a Property Standards Order or Building Code violation notice requiring you to either obtain retroactive permits or remove/modify the work to meet current standards.

The challenge is that unpermitted work must meet today's Ontario Building Code requirements, not the standards from when it was originally done. This means older electrical work might need upgrading to current ESA standards, or structural work might require additional reinforcement to meet current seismic or load requirements.

Your Options for Resolution

You have several paths forward when dealing with inherited unpermitted work. First, contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services to discuss retroactive permitting. Many types of work can be permitted after the fact, though you'll need to hire qualified contractors to inspect and potentially modify the work to meet current codes.

For electrical work, you'll need an ESA-licensed contractor to assess whether the installation meets current electrical code. Check their credentials at esasafe.com/contractor-locator. Similarly, gas work requires TSSA-certified technicians (verify at tssa.org), and structural work needs a qualified engineer's assessment.

Costs and Complications

Retroactive permits in Ottawa typically cost the same as original permits ($200-2000+ depending on scope), but you may face additional costs for code upgrades. For example, older electrical panels might need replacement, or unpermitted bathrooms might require ventilation improvements.

The most expensive scenario occurs when work cannot be brought to code and must be partially or completely redone. This is why getting a thorough home inspection before purchase is crucial - look for signs of unpermitted additions, electrical work, or plumbing modifications.

Protection Strategies

When buying in Ottawa, always ask sellers about permits for any renovations. Request copies of permits and final inspection certificates. Your home inspector should flag potential unpermitted work, but consider hiring specialists for electrical (ESA-licensed) and gas (TSSA-certified) inspections if you suspect issues.

If you discover unpermitted work after purchase, document everything and contact the City proactively. Being cooperative and working toward compliance typically results in reasonable timelines and solutions rather than penalties.

For guidance on finding qualified contractors to assess and remedy unpermitted work, contact City of Ottawa Building Code Services at ottawa.ca/building or 613-580-2424. They can provide specific guidance based on your situation and help you develop a compliance plan.