If you are a Landlord with rental properties, take note - you must ensure all of your properties are compliant with the NEW building code regulations as of January 1st! Mandatory Carbon Monoxide detectors MUST be installed, or face fines.
Ontario's Building Code is being updated, with major changes to carbon monoxide (CO) alarm requirements taking effect January 1, 2026, mandating alarms on every floor of homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages, expanding from just near sleeping areas, and applying to multi-unit buildings too, making compliance a legal requirement with significant fines for non-compliance.
Key Changes Effective Jan 1, 2026
Every Floor: Alarms must now be on every storey (level) of a home or dwelling unit.
Expanded Triggers: Applies to homes with fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, water heaters, stoves, fireplaces), attached garages, or heating from an outdoor furnace.
Multi-Unit Dwellings: Rules extend to apartments/condos, requiring alarms in units and sometimes public corridors near fuel systems or garages.
Scope: Covers single-family homes, townhouses, and multi-unit residential buildings (apartments, condos).
What You Need to Do
Install Alarms: Place CO alarms on every floor and next to each sleeping area if you have a furnace, fireplace, or attached garage.
Check Your Appliances: Ensure all fuel-burning devices (furnaces, hot water tanks, stoves) are properly vented and inspected annually by a professional.
Buy Certified Alarms: Look for alarms meeting Canadian performance standards (ULC certified).
Test Monthly: Test your alarms monthly and replace batteries as per manufacturer instructions (even plug-in models need battery backup).
Why the Change?
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can cause headaches, dizziness, and death, making early detection crucial. These new requirements provide broader, earlier warning for residents.
Responsibilities
Homeowners: Responsible for installation and maintenance in single-family homes.
Landlords/Building Owners: Responsible for compliance in rental units and multi-unit buildings.
Penalties
Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code is an offence, with potential fines up to $50,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations for a first offence.