Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are essential for tenant safety in Alberta rental properties. Recent updates to provincial law place clear responsibilities on landlords and tenants to maintain working alarms. This article explains what the laws require, how to stay compliant, and steps to take if there are problems with alarms in your home.

Who Is Responsible for Smoke and CO Alarms in Alberta Rentals?

In Alberta, safety rules for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are set out in the Safety Codes Act and enforced through the provincial Fire Code and Building Code.^[1] Both landlords and tenants have legal duties under these regulations. The Alberta Residential Tenancies Act also requires that homes be habitable and safe ^[2].

Landlord Responsibilities

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the rental property and outside sleeping areas.
• If a fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace or gas stove) or attached garage is present, install carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms or sleeping areas.
• Ensure all alarms are working before new tenants move in.
• Replace batteries or alarms as needed and perform regular maintenance as required by law.
• Address and repair alarms promptly when notified by tenants of any issues.

For more detail on landlord duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Test smoke and CO alarms monthly (or as instructed by the landlord or device instructions).
• Replace batteries if accessible and notify the landlord immediately if alarms do not work.
• Never disable or remove alarms for any reason.
• Report any problem promptly so the landlord can fix it.

If you’re just moving in, it’s a good idea to test all alarms as part of your walkthrough. See the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for tips.

Where and When Are Alarms Required?

Every rental home in Alberta must have:

• At least one smoke alarm on each floor, especially near sleeping areas.
• A carbon monoxide alarm if the home has a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage, placed within 5 meters of every sleeping space.

For apartments or multifamily dwellings, landlords may also be required to install additional alarms in shared hallways or common spaces. Check your local municipality for extra requirements.

What Should Tenants Do If Smoke or CO Alarms Aren't Working?

If you discover an alarm isn’t working or is missing:

• Test the alarm to confirm the problem.
• Contact your landlord in writing (email or letter) as soon as possible.
• Keep a copy of all communications and requests.
• If your landlord doesn’t act, contact your municipality’s fire inspector or Alberta Health Services’ Environmental Public Health office for help.

Making a Formal Complaint or Request

If your landlord doesn’t resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe, you can:

• File a complaint with your local fire department or fire prevention office.
• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) to request an order for necessary repairs or code compliance.

For other safety issues in your rental, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• RTDRS Application for Repairs (Form 1): If your landlord does not address safety concerns (like missing or faulty alarms), you can complete the Application for Remedy/Repair with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). Attach evidence (photos, copies of emails) and state what you want done.
  Practical Example: If your repeated emails requesting a new CO alarm are ignored, submit this form with your communication log as supporting documents.

For dispute resolution, the official tribunal is the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) in Alberta.

Tips for Tenants: How to Stay Safe and Compliant

• Check every alarm when you move in and once a month after.
• Record maintenance or malfunctions and notify your landlord right away.
• Never block or tamper with safety devices—doing so can result in fines or even eviction.
• If you need more information or rental support, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Laws for Alberta Tenants

1. Do landlords have to provide both smoke and CO alarms in Alberta?
   Yes. Landlords must provide smoke alarms in all rentals and carbon monoxide alarms if there is a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage.
2. What should I do if the alarms go off or seem faulty?
   If it's an emergency, leave the unit and call 911. For faulty alarms (chirping or not working), try replacing the batteries (if allowed), then notify your landlord immediately.
3. Are tenants responsible for replacing batteries?
   Tenants usually replace batteries if accessible, but landlords must replace hard-wired alarms or inaccessible batteries, and you should still inform your landlord of any issues.
4. What if my landlord refuses to fix missing or broken alarms?
   File a written complaint with the landlord first. If ignored, you may contact your local fire inspector or apply to the RTDRS for an order.
5. Does the law require alarms in older Alberta rental homes?
   Yes, updated fire safety codes require working alarms in both new and existing rental units, regardless of age.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are legally required in most Alberta rentals.
• Landlords must install and maintain alarms; tenants must check and report problems.
• Use clear written communication and know your rights to stay safe.
• Learn more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancies Website – official information on laws and rights
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – file applications online or by phone at 1-780-644-3000
• Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health – safety and health complaints
• Local municipal fire prevention offices – check your city or town’s website

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1. Alberta Safety Codes Act and provincial Fire/Building Codes: Alberta Safety Codes Act
2. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act (RSA 2000, Chapter R-17): Read Section 16 of the Act

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