In Ontario, both tenants and landlords play a vital role in keeping rental homes safe from fire and carbon monoxide risks. Knowing your rights and duties under current laws can help prevent hazards and avoid significant fines. This guide explains what the law requires, practical steps for tenants, and where to seek help.

Why Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Matter

Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms save lives by warning you early about dangerous situations. In rentals, landlords and tenants share responsibility for maintaining these alarms, ensuring the safety of everyone in the building.

Ontario Law: Who Must Install and Maintain the Alarms?

The law in Ontario is clear: working smoke alarms are required on every storey of a residence and outside all sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside sleeping areas if your unit has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.

• Landlords must install approved smoke and CO alarms and ensure they are functioning before a new tenancy begins.
• Tenants must not tamper with alarms and must notify their landlord if an alarm is not working or needs maintenance.

These requirements apply to houses, apartments, condos, and basement units. To learn more about other safety obligations, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Relevant Legislation

• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07)
• Ontario Regulation 194/14: Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board is the official tribunal for tenancy disputes. Visit the Landlord and Tenant Board for forms, guidance, or to file a complaint.

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

Once you move in, you are responsible for not disabling, removing, or tampering with smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. If you notice a beeping alarm, missing battery, or damage, you must contact your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Failure to comply can lead to fines up to $50,000 for individuals, according to Ontario law¹.

What to Do If the Alarm Isn’t Working

• Let your landlord know, preferably in writing (email or letter).
• Do not disconnect or remove the alarm.
• If the landlord does not respond, you may file a maintenance request with the Landlord and Tenant Board. See more under Routine Repairs.

Landlord Duties for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Owners must:

• Install working smoke alarms on every storey and outside sleeping areas.
• Provide CO alarms if required (fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or garage present).
• Test alarms annually, after changing tenants, and after repairs.

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

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Penalties are severe for not following the Fire Code:

• Tenants: Fines up to $50,000 (for disabling/tampering with alarms).
• Landlords: Fines up to $100,000 for corporations ($50,000 for individuals) and possible legal consequences if someone is injured due to non-compliance.

Proper upkeep is a shared responsibility that protects everyone.

Forms and How to Address Issues

• Landlord and Tenant Board – T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance

If your landlord ignores requests to fix or replace a smoke or CO alarm, you can file a T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance with the Landlord and Tenant Board. Use this form to ask the Board to order the landlord to complete the repairs. Clearly describe your safety concern, provide proof of your request to the landlord, and submit it online or by mail.

Step-by-Step: Filing a T6 Maintenance Application

• Document the issue (take photos, keep copies of communications).
• Try resolving the problem directly with your landlord first, in writing.
• If no response, download and complete the T6: Tenant Application about Maintenance.
• Submit your T6 to the Landlord and Tenant Board online, by mail, or in person.
• Attend your hearing (bring your documentation).

If your complaint is urgent or an emergency (e.g., complete lack of fire alarms), contact your local fire department immediately.

Additional Tips for Tenant Safety

• Check alarms when you first move in. For a full checklist, visit Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.
• Replace batteries yearly, unless it’s a sealed long-life alarm.
• Never paint over alarms or block sensors with furniture or decor.

Looking for a safe new place to live? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

If you'd like more on provincial rental laws or your legal rights, visit Tenant Rights in Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for replacing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in my rental?
   Landlords must replace or repair alarms. Tenants must inform landlords if alarms are broken or missing and should not disable alarms.
2. What is the penalty for disabling a smoke detector in Ontario?
   Disabling a smoke or CO alarm can result in individual fines up to $50,000 under the Ontario Fire Code.
3. Do I have to install my own smoke or CO alarm if my landlord does not?
   No, but you should immediately notify your landlord in writing. If they don't respond, file a T6 application with the Landlord and Tenant Board or call your local fire department if there is an urgent risk.
4. How often should I test smoke and CO alarms?
   It’s recommended to test alarms monthly using the test button and replace batteries at least once a year.
5. Where can I get help if I have ongoing safety issues with my rental?
   Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board or local fire officials. Tenant advocacy groups can also offer advice and support.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must install and maintain all required smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in Ontario rentals.
• Tenants must not tamper with alarms and should report any problems in writing.
• Severe fines exist for non-compliance, but support and remedies are available.

Staying informed can help you ensure your rental home is as safe as possible for you and your loved ones.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB): Official LTB Website – Forms, applications, and dispute resolution.
• Ontario Fire Marshal: Office of the Fire Marshal – Fire safety laws, reporting unsafe conditions.
• Community Legal Clinics: Find a local legal clinic through Legal Aid Ontario for tenant advice.
• Tenant Advocacy Services: Contact the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario at www.acto.ca.

---

1. Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07), Ontario Regulation 194/14; Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 – full legislation here
2. Landlord and Tenant Board – official website
3. Office of the Fire Marshal – fire safety resources

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy