Smoke & CO Alarm Laws for Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants

Ensuring your rental home is safe means knowing the requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in Newfoundland and Labrador. Both landlords and tenants have responsibilities under provincial law that protect everyone from fire and carbon monoxide risks. This guide explains those obligations, current legislation, official complaints process, and practical steps tenants can take to uphold safety in their homes.

Who Sets Rental Safety Rules in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) oversees rental housing rights and responsibilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The main law covering tenants and landlords is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[1]. Municipal fire departments may also set local requirements on top of the provincial law.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Legal Requirements

Under provincial regulations, working smoke alarms must be installed in every rental property. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in units with fuel-burning appliances (such as oil or gas furnaces, fireplaces), wood stoves, or attached garages. Requirements are based in part on the National Fire Code (adopted in NL) and local bylaws.

Where and When Are Alarms Required?

• Smoke alarms: Must be installed on every floor of the residence, including basements and outside all sleeping areas.
• Carbon monoxide alarms: Needed outside each sleeping area in units with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.

Alarms must be in good working order at the start of each tenancy, and batteries should be replaced regularly according to manufacturer instructions.

Who Is Responsible for Installation and Maintenance?

Landlords must:

• Install approved smoke and (if needed) carbon monoxide alarms.
• Ensure alarms are working at move-in (test before each new tenancy).
• Repair or replace alarms that are broken or past their expiry date.

Tenants must:

• Test alarms regularly (often monthly is recommended).
• Report immediately if an alarm is not working.
• Change batteries as needed (unless stated otherwise in your rental agreement).

For a deeper overview of overall rental health and safety duties, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Dealing With Non-Working Alarms: Tenant Action Steps

If you discover a smoke or CO alarm isn't working and you're not able to fix it (for instance, if it's hardwired or needs full replacement), notify your landlord in writing right away. Timely written notice helps document your efforts and speeds up repairs. If the landlord does not fix the issue promptly, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office to request an order for repairs.

Official Complaint Forms and Process

• Form 6: Application for Repairs – Tenants can use this official form to apply for an order requiring the landlord to complete urgent safety repairs, including replacing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. Download the current form here: NL Residential Tenancies Forms.

Example: If your landlord does not replace a faulty alarm after you’ve reported it, fill out Form 6 and submit it to the RTO along with proof (photos, dated communications). The RTO will review your case and may order the landlord to make repairs.

Tips for Tenants

Legal Protection and Resolving Disputes

Formal disputes about repairs, including for vital safety concerns, are handled by the Residential Tenancies Office. They have the authority to order landlords to make repairs and can address cases where tenants face retaliation for raising safety concerns. Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities offers more on repairs after safety issues.

To stay informed about your broader rights and responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Moving In? Safety Checks to Start Your Tenancy Right

When moving into a new rental, ask your landlord to demonstrate that all alarms work. If you notice missing or expired detectors during your first inspection, request that these be fixed before you move in. See Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for a checklist of safety items to review.

If you’re exploring your next place, Browse apartments for rent in Canada to compare neighborhood options easily.

FAQ: Smoke and CO Alarm Requirements for NL Tenants

1. Are landlords required to provide both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?
   Yes. Landlords must provide working smoke alarms in all rentals. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in units with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
2. Who changes the batteries in these alarms?
   The tenant is usually responsible for changing batteries, unless the rental agreement says otherwise. Landlords must install and replace expired or broken alarms.
3. What should I do if the smoke or CO alarm isn’t working?
   Notify your landlord immediately, preferably in writing. If not fixed, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for help.
4. Can I remove the alarm if it’s making noise?
   No, never remove an alarm. Try changing the battery or ask the landlord for repairs. Disabling alarms is unsafe and may violate your lease.
5. What are my rights if the landlord ignores my repair request?
   You can file Form 6: Application for Repairs with the RTO to seek help and an order for necessary repairs.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords must provide and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where required by law.
• Tenants should test alarms regularly, change batteries, and promptly report issues.
• The Residential Tenancies Office can help resolve safety disputes if repairs are not made.

Staying proactive with regular alarm checks keeps your home safer and supports your legal rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (NL) – Dispute resolution, application forms, and information on tenant rights.
• NL Fire Safety Division – Fire code, alarm rules, landlord/tenant safety resources.
• Local fire department – For urgent safety complaints or inspections.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL)
2. Provincial Fire Code Information
3. NL Residential Tenancies Forms

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