Are smoke alarms required in every rental home in Alberta?

Yes, landlords must install working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas in any rental property.

What should I do if my smoke alarm isn't working and my landlord won’t fix it?

Notify your landlord in writing, then contact your local fire department or file a complaint with the Safety Codes Officer if not resolved.

Is my landlord required to provide fire extinguishers?

Fire extinguishers are generally required in common areas of multi-unit buildings, but not always in individual units.

Can I refuse to pay rent if my unit doesn’t meet fire safety laws?

Withholding rent is not usually recommended. Instead, follow the complaint process or apply to the RTDRS for a remedy.

Where can I get help if I feel unsafe due to fire hazards?

Contact your local fire department or a tenant advisor for support and guidance.

Fire Safety Standards All Alberta Landlords Must Follow

Safety & Security Alberta published: June 14, 2025

Knowing your rights about fire safety in your Alberta rental property is crucial for protecting your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind. Alberta's laws require landlords to follow strict fire safety regulations—these not only prevent emergencies, but also give tenants ways to hold landlords accountable if standards aren't met.

What Fire Safety Measures Are Required in Alberta Rentals?

Under Alberta law, landlords must ensure rental properties meet the requirements set out in the Alberta Fire Code and relevant parts of the Safety Codes Act^[1]. Whether you live in an apartment, house, or basement suite, your landlord must provide critical fire safety features.

Smoke Alarms: Every home must have working smoke alarms on each level and outside sleeping areas. Alarms must be tested and maintained regularly.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: If your rental has fuel-burning appliances (like a furnace or gas stove) or an attached garage, carbon monoxide detectors are required.
Fire Exits: All rental units must have at least one clear, accessible exit in case of emergency.
Fire Extinguishers: In multi-unit buildings, landlords are often required to provide and maintain fire extinguishers in common areas.
Safe Building Materials: Properties must be constructed and maintained to minimize fire risks.

These rules help ensure tenants can safely escape and get help if a fire happens. For a broader overview of related safety and health matters, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Your Landlord’s Fire Safety Responsibilities

Landlords carry several ongoing responsibilities in Alberta to keep rentals safe from fire hazards, including:

Installing and regularly testing all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Keeping fire exits clear at all times
Performing repairs promptly if fire safety equipment fails
Responding to tenant safety concerns quickly

Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act also requires landlords to maintain rental properties in “good repair and suitable for occupation”^[2].

What Should Tenants Do if Fire Safety Rules Aren’t Met?

If you discover that your smoke detector isn’t working, exits are blocked, or your landlord hasn’t provided required fire safety equipment, it’s important to act. You can:

Notify your landlord in writing about the problem and keep a copy
Request repairs or installation of missing safety equipment
If hazards aren’t fixed promptly, you may file a complaint or seek inspection from your local municipality’s Safety Codes Officer
For unresolved emergencies, you may also make an application to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), which handles most rental disputes in Alberta

If your issue involves urgent repairs, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for step-by-step help.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Complaint Form (Alberta Municipal Affairs) — Use this form if you believe your landlord is violating fire safety codes. Download from Alberta Safety Codes Complaints. Example: If your smoke alarm isn’t working and your landlord ignores your request, complete this form and submit it to your local fire authority, describing the issue and attaching relevant photos or correspondence.

Before filing a complaint, try to resolve the problem in writing with your landlord. Keep detailed records of all communication.

How Alberta’s Fire Safety Laws Protect You

Alberta’s fire safety regulations protect your right to a safe home. The local fire department or Safety Codes Officer may inspect your unit and order repairs if standards are not met. Landlords can face significant penalties if they don’t comply.

Tip: A safe rental is your legal right. If in doubt, ask your landlord to confirm the date of the last fire alarm test and keep proof of your safety requests!

Where to Find Your Full Tenant Rights

For more information on your general legal rights as a tenant in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Looking for your next home? Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme's trusted rental listings.

FAQ: Alberta Tenant Fire Safety Questions

Are smoke alarms required in every rental home in Alberta? Yes, landlords must install working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas in any rental property.
What should I do if my smoke alarm isn't working and my landlord won’t fix it? Notify your landlord in writing, then contact your local fire department or file a complaint with the Safety Codes Officer if not resolved.
Is my landlord required to provide fire extinguishers? Fire extinguishers are generally required in common areas of multi-unit buildings, but not always in individual units.
Can I refuse to pay rent if my unit doesn’t meet fire safety laws? Withholding rent is not usually recommended. Instead, follow the complaint process or apply to the RTDRS for a remedy.
Where can I get help if I feel unsafe due to fire hazards? Contact your local fire department or a tenant advisor for support and guidance.

Conclusion: Stay Proactive to Stay Safe

Alberta law gives you the right to a safe home with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Report any fire hazards to your landlord immediately and keep a written record.
When problems aren’t fixed, use official forms to file a complaint or get government support.

Take a few minutes to check your fire safety equipment each month—prevention saves lives, and you’re protected by law.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Apply online or get guidance for unresolved disputes.
Alberta Landlord and Tenant Advisory Boards – Free information and support on rental issues.
Alberta Safety Codes Authority – File complaints about serious fire safety hazards.
For more on staying safe, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.