Yukon Smoke and CO Alarm Laws: Tenant Rights & Landlord Duties

Staying safe in your Yukon rental home means understanding the rules about smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. These devices are vital for health and safety, and Yukon law sets out clear requirements for both landlords and tenants. This guide will help you know what to expect, what to do if something is wrong, and who to contact for support.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements in Yukon Rentals

In Yukon, every rental unit must have working smoke alarms. If the rental unit has any fuel-burning appliance (such as a gas furnace or wood stove), or if it has an attached garage, a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is also required. These laws apply to all types of rental housing, including apartments, houses, and secondary suites.

Who Is Responsible for Alarms?

• Landlords must install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in good working order, as required by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1] and the Yukon Fire Protection Act.
• Tenants are required to test the alarms regularly and replace batteries if the devices are battery-operated. Tenants must tell their landlord right away if an alarm isn’t working, is damaged, or if something is making it impossible to use as intended.

Want to learn about your responsibilities and your landlord’s obligations beyond alarms? Read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

When Should New Alarms Be Installed?

• When a new tenant moves in, alarms must be in working order and tested.
• After 10 years, or if an alarm is found to be defective, the landlord must replace it.

Regular inspections are a smart safety step. For advice on checking utilities and alarms, see our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Reporting and Resolving Problems with Smoke or CO Alarms

If an alarm does not work, or you believe the law is not being followed, you have the right to request repairs. Here’s what you should do:

• Let your landlord know in writing as soon as you spot a problem. Give details (e.g., model and location of the alarm, and the issue).
• If your landlord does not respond quickly, you may file a formal complaint with Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office. For urgent safety issues, you may contact your local fire department.

Official Forms for Reporting Issues

• Notice to Landlord of Breach of Landlord’s Duty (No official form number) – Use this template to notify your landlord of safety concerns such as non-working alarms. Find the official guidelines here. Example: If your smoke alarm won’t stop beeping and you have already replaced the battery, submit written notice to your landlord to fix or replace it.
• Application for Tenancy Complaint – If your landlord does not address safety issues, submit this form to Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office. Read more and access the form here. Example: Landlord refuses to fix a broken CO alarm after your notice—you can then file this complaint form.

What Happens If Laws Are Not Followed?

Landlords can face fines or penalties if alarms are missing or defective, as set out in the oversight of the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. Tenants who disable alarms or fail to notify landlords of problems may also be held responsible for resulting damage or injury.

Additional Tenant Safety and Rights Resources

Understanding basic Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting will help you keep your home safe and know when to ask for help.

If you’re moving or searching for a new rental, you can browse apartments for rent in Canada for safe, well-equipped homes.

Curious about more local rules? See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon to get a full overview of relevant laws in your territory.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for replacing smoke and CO alarm batteries in a Yukon rental?
   Tenants are responsible for replacing batteries. Landlords must replace the entire unit when necessary.
2. Do all Yukon rentals need carbon monoxide alarms?
   Only rentals with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages need CO alarms by law.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix a broken smoke alarm?
   First, notify your landlord in writing. If they don’t act, file a complaint with the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office.
4. Are there penalties to landlords for missing alarms?
   Yes, landlords risk fines, penalties, and orders to comply if they don’t install or maintain required alarms.
5. How often do alarms need to be replaced?
   Alarms typically need replacing after 10 years, per manufacturer guidelines and Yukon’s safety standards.

Key Takeaways for Yukon Renters

• Every Yukon rental must have working smoke alarms; CO alarms are required in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
• Landlords install and repair alarms, but tenants must test and replace batteries.
• Report any issues in writing and know you can file a complaint if problems aren’t fixed.

To sum up: Not only are smoke and CO alarms required by law, but they also play a crucial role in keeping you and your home safe.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office — Guidance, complaint forms, and dispute resolution
• Yukon Fire Code Resources — Understand fire safety regulations and contact local fire services
• Yukon's Rental Guide for Tenants and Landlords — Comprehensive handbook

1. Government of Yukon. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Read the full Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
2. Yukon Fire Protection Act and Fire Code. More about Yukon fire safety rules.
3. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. Contact and resources.