Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms in Ontario Rentals: Who's Responsible?

Every home in Ontario must have working smoke alarms, and homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage need carbon monoxide (CO) alarms too. In a rental, the law splits the job between the landlord and the tenant.

The landlord's job

• Install smoke alarms, and CO alarms where required, and keep them in working order.
• Replace batteries or alarms when needed, and repair alarms the tenant reports.
• Test alarms when required, including after changing a battery.

The tenant's job

• Never remove batteries or cover an alarm, even when cooking.
• Tell the landlord in writing, straight away, if an alarm is missing, beeping or broken.
• Let the landlord in to inspect or fix alarms, with proper notice.

If your landlord won't fix an alarm

1. Put the request in writing and keep a copy.
2. Contact your local fire department: it enforces the Fire Code and can inspect.
3. A landlord's failure to maintain the unit can also support an application to the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Disabling an alarm, by either side, can lead to a fine under the Fire Code. More importantly, it can cost a life.

Sources

• Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07)
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006

Read next: No Heat, No Hot Water, Broken Elevator: Getting Vital Services Fixed

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A fire alarm on a ceiling · A city apartment building with balconies.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.