Considering renting out bedrooms in Winnipeg where windows do not meet egress requirements raises important legal and safety considerations. Here’s what you need to know:

In Winnipeg, all bedrooms, including those in basements, are mandated to have windows or doors that open directly to the outside. These openings must be operable without special tools, providing a minimum clear opening area of 0.35 square meters (3.77 square feet) with no dimension less than 380 millimeters (15 inches). Failure to meet these standards means the bedroom is non-compliant with local building codes.

Legal Perspective on Roommate Arrangements:

Your realtor’s advice stands true: if occupants share common spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, Winnipeg typically considers the property a single household unit rather than multiple rental units or a separate legal suite. This distinction is crucial because:

1. Building Code Requirements: Single household units generally face less stringent building code requirements compared to legally defined secondary suites. This includes exemptions from strict egress window enforcement unless you explicitly register a separate legal suite.
2. Safety and Liability: While legally acceptable from a zoning perspective, non-compliant windows pose safety risks during emergencies like fires. Even though enforcement may not be proactive, property owners could face liability or insurance issues if safety standards aren’t met.

Practical Options for Property Owners:

1. Upgrade Windows: The safest approach is to upgrade non-compliant windows to meet egress standards. This involves installing new windows or enlarging existing ones to ensure compliance. While upfront costs are involved, this ensures safety and may satisfy insurance requirements.
2. Maintain Roommate Arrangement: Alternatively, continuing with roommates who share common spaces without creating a separate legal suite is legally permissible. This option avoids immediate renovation expenses but carries inherent safety risks.
3. Adjust Room Usage: Consider repurposing non-compliant bedrooms for uses like offices or storage, reserving compliant rooms as sleeping quarters to mitigate safety concerns.

Recommendations:

• Consult Professionals: Seek advice from contractors to estimate renovation costs for window upgrades.
• Insurance Review: Contact your insurance provider to understand coverage implications related to egress compliance.
• Safety First: Prioritize safety by adhering to recommended egress standards, even if not legally mandated in a roommate scenario.

In conclusion, while Winnipeg allows shared living arrangements under relaxed building code scrutiny, ensuring safety through compliance with egress standards remains paramount for responsible property management and occupant welfare.