As a renter in Ontario, you have the right to live in a unit with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. This guide explains who is responsible for keeping alarms working, simple steps tenants can take to report and document problems, and how to escalate if repairs are not completed. It uses plain language for renters and includes practical examples, official resources and the forms or tribunal you may need to protect your safety and legal rights in Ontario.
What the law says
Under Ontario rules tenants must be provided with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; the applicable provincial law and fire-code rules place responsibility for installation and maintenance primarily on the landlord, while tenants must take reasonable care and report issues. For official law and definitions see the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.[2]
Who is responsible for repairs
Generally the landlord is responsible to repair or replace hard-wired or landlord-provided alarms and to ensure they meet code. Tenants should test alarms and report faults in writing; if your lease says you are responsible for simple battery changes, follow that clause but still notify the landlord of any larger failure.
How to document and communicate
- Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities explains steps for urgent hazards and when to call emergency services.
- Keep a dated record of each request, photos of the alarm, and any landlord responses.
- Ask the landlord for a timeline in writing; include a clear deadline you expect repairs to be made by.
When repairs are urgent
If an alarm has failed and you suspect immediate danger (smoke, gas or CO), call 911 or your local fire service first. After immediate danger is resolved, notify the landlord and, if they do not act, begin the documentation and escalation steps below. Provincial guidance on required alarms and safety standards is available from the Ontario government.[3]
What to do if the landlord won’t fix alarms
Try these practical steps: send a written request with a reasonable deadline, follow up by phone and keep records, and offer reasonable access for a qualified technician. If the landlord still does not act, you may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order to repair or compensation; the Board handles these disputes and the forms and application instructions are published by Tribunals Ontario.[1]
If you need to temporarily relocate because the unit is unsafe, document the hazard, keep receipts for emergency costs and ask the Board for direction. While resolving safety problems you might also look for alternate listings; Houseme - your rental solution in Canada is a map-based site with rental listings across Canada if you need to compare temporary options.
FAQ
- Who must repair smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in Ontario?
- Landlords must provide and maintain alarms; tenants should test them and report faults in writing so there is a record.
- How fast do repairs have to be done?
- There is no single deadline in every case, but urgent hazards must be fixed promptly; reasonable timelines depend on the risk and available repair resources, and the Landlord and Tenant Board can order repairs if needed.
- What form do I use to ask the Board for help?
- Use the Board's application process and forms (see the Tribunals Ontario LTB forms page) and include your records, photos and copies of written requests.
How-To
- Test the alarm and replace the battery if it is tenant-operated, and note the date you tested it.
- Notify the landlord in writing and set a clear deadline (for example, within 7 days for a non-working alarm).
- Provide reasonable access for the landlord or a qualified technician to inspect and repair the alarm.
- If the landlord does not act, file an application with the Landlord and Tenant Board and include your records and photos.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords are generally responsible for providing and maintaining alarms.
- Document every test and repair request in writing and keep photos.
- If repairs are not done, apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board with your evidence.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Landlord and Tenant Board
- LTB forms and applications
- Safety guidance: Ontario smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
