Fire safety in Ontario rental properties is a top concern for both tenants and landlords. Understanding the latest fire escape rules not only protects your wellbeing but can also prevent costly legal issues. This article offers a clear overview of your rights and obligations around fire escapes, escape plans, and emergency access, based on the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and Ontario’s Fire Code.

Understanding Fire Escape Requirements in Ontario Rentals

The Ontario Fire Code sets strict standards for fire safety in all residential rentals. These rules are enforced by local fire departments and apply to apartments, condos, basement suites, and single-family homes used as rentals.

Key fire escape elements for tenants to know:

• Unobstructed Escape Routes: Every rental unit must have a safe, clear path for tenants to exit in case of fire. This is usually a hallway, stairwell, outdoor exit, or fire escape ladder.
• Minimum Number of Exits: Most rental units require at least two independent exits. For basement apartments, one exit can be a window if it meets specific safety standards for width and height.
• Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors: Landlords must install and maintain working smoke alarms on every floor, plus carbon monoxide detectors where required. Tenants must not disable these devices.
• Prohibition of Blocked Exits: Exits, hallways, and stairwells must never be locked, blocked, or used for storage.

If you notice any safety issue or blocked exit, notify your landlord in writing immediately for prompt repairs. In urgent situations, contact your local fire department.

Landlord and Tenant Duties in Fire Safety

Both landlords and tenants have legal responsibilities to ensure fire safety in Ontario rentals:

• Landlords:
  • Maintain all exits, smoke alarms, CO detectors, and fire escape routes in working order.
  • Regularly inspect and repair escape routes.
  • Provide information on emergency procedures when you move in.
• Tenants:
  • Keep escape routes and exits clear and accessible.
  • Immediately report safety hazards or non-working alarms.
  • Follow building fire drill procedures.

Creating and Following an Escape Plan

Ontario’s Fire Code recommends every tenant have a personal fire escape plan. Ask your landlord for a copy of the building’s emergency plan and practice your escape route.

• Locate all building exits (main doors, windows, stairwells, or emergency ladders).
• Know where the fire alarms and extinguishers are.
• Plan a meeting spot outside, such as the sidewalk or parking lot.
• Practice your escape plan with household members.

To learn more about related health and safety issues when renting, check out Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Report Fire Safety Issues: Forms and Legal Help

If your landlord does not address safety hazards or fails to maintain fire escapes, you can contact your municipal property standards office or apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB).

Official Tribunal and Resources

• Board: Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Ontario
• Relevant Legislation: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Key Form:

• Form T6 – Tenant Application about Maintenance: Use this to apply to the LTB if your landlord won’t make required fire safety repairs. Access Form T6 here.
  • Example: If your building’s exit door is often jammed or blocked and your landlord won’t fix it, use Form T6 to request an official order for repairs.

Steps include: filling out Form T6 with evidence (photos, written requests), submitting it to the LTB, and attending a hearing if needed (see How-To Steps below).

Fire Escapes When Moving In or Out

Always check that fire exits and alarms are functional when you move into or out of a rental. This ensures your safety and helps resolve issues early. To help with this, read our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

For a broader understanding of your rights, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Looking for a safe new home? Browse apartments for rent in Canada with helpful filters and interactive maps.

1. Do landlords have to provide fire escapes in all Ontario rentals?
   Yes. The Fire Code and Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 require at least one safe, accessible exit in every rental. Larger or multi-unit buildings usually need at least two exits.
2. My exit is blocked—is that legal?
   No. Landlords must keep all exits clear. If an exit, hall, or stairwell is blocked, report it in writing and, if not addressed, contact your city’s by-law office or file a T6 form with the LTB.
3. Can my landlord enter my unit to check or fix fire escapes?
   Landlords may enter with 24 hours’ written notice to inspect or repair fire safety features, unless it’s an emergency.
4. What should I do if there’s a fire and my exit is not usable?
   Stay low to avoid smoke, use alternative exits or windows, call 911, and notify your landlord or property manager immediately after escaping.
5. How do I report my landlord for not fixing a fire hazard?
   Notify your landlord in writing, document the problem, and if unresolved, use Form T6 at the LTB or call your local fire department.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• All Ontario rentals must have safe, unobstructed fire escapes and alarms.
• Both landlords and tenants share responsibility for fire safety.
• Use Form T6 to apply to the LTB if hazards are not resolved.

Staying informed about fire safety rules and your rights can help prevent emergencies and serious injury.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Ontario: For official applications and tenancy disputes.
• Ontario Government Fire Safety Resources: Fire escape planning and fire code details.
• Local Fire Department: For urgent fire code complaints.
• Tenant advocacy services: Legal clinics can provide support with LTB applications.

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1. Ontario Fire Code and Residential Tenancies Act, 2006: Read the Residential Tenancies Act
2. Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): LTB Official Site
3. LTB Tenant Forms: Download T6 Form
4. Ontario Government Fire Safety Info: Tenant Fire Safety Guide

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