House hack: live in the house, rent the suite

Your net monthly cost after suite rent, the income lenders need with and without the rent, and the suite's payback.

Owner-occupied 2-unit homes can be insured; minimum $46,850.
Example: Bank of Canada average, new insured 5-year fixed, 4.12% (2026-08).
Amortization
Example: CMHC Oct 2025 Calgary average 1-bedroom purpose-built rent, $1,582.
Utilities, insurance and upkeep for the whole house (example; the .ca true-cost calculator itemizes them).
Utilities you include in rent, extra insurance, wear (example).
0 if the home already has a legal suite. City permit fees are added automatically.
Your net monthly housing cost$3,385$4,888 all-in, minus $1,503 suite rent after vacancy. The suite covers 31%.
Income needed, without the suite
$155,977
Income needed, with the suite
$136,993
CMHC: up to 100% of gross rent, 2-unit owner-occupied
Qualifies because of the suite$140,000 is below the $155,977 needed without the suite, but counting its rent brings GDS to 38.3% and TDS to 38.3%, inside the 39% / 44% limits.

Building or legalizing a suite? Enter the construction cost to see its payback; City permit fees are added automatically.

GDS with the suite rent counted38.3% of 39% limit
TDS with the suite rent counted38.3% of 44% limit

Estimate, not advice. Educational estimate only, not financial, mortgage, tax or legal advice. Lenders, insurers and governments set their own rules and can change them; confirm with a licensed professional before you decide.

Net housing cost $3,385 a month; suite covers 31%.

Assumptions & sources

Assumptions

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