Ontario’s New 2026 Carbon Monoxide Alarm Law - Changes Effective Jan 1, 2026

Smoke detectors and CO monitors save lives. They are a small investment that can make a difference between life and death.

Beginning January 1, 2026, most Ontario homes with any potential source of carbon monoxide must have a working CO alarm on every storey, not just near bedrooms. This change to the Ontario Fire Code is aimed at reducing preventable injuries and deaths from carbon monoxide exposure in houses, townhomes, condos and apartments that have fuel‑burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.glengower+2​

What is changing on January 1, 2026?

Beginning January 1, 2026, Ontario’s updated Fire Code will require CO alarms on each storey of existing residential occupancies that contain a fuel‑burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. CO alarms will still be required adjacent to every sleeping area, but the obligation now extends to all levels of the home, including basements and storeys without bedrooms.

Which homes must have CO alarms on every storey?

Any home in Ontario with a fuel‑burning appliance (such as a gas furnace, gas or oil water heater, gas stove, gas dryer, boiler, or wood stove), a fireplace, or an attached garage must comply with the expanded alarm requirements. Fully electric homes with no fuel‑burning appliances and no attached garage are generally exempt from CO alarm requirements under the Fire Code.

Where exactly must CO alarms be installed?

Owners must ensure CO alarms are installed both adjacent to each sleeping area and on every storey of the dwelling unit, including levels that do not have bedrooms. In multi‑unit buildings, additional alarms may be required in certain suites, service rooms, and in some public corridors where fuel‑burning equipment or attached garages are present.

Who is responsible – the homeowner, landlord, or tenant?

For rented premises, landlords are responsible for supplying, installing, and maintaining CO alarms in accordance with the Fire Code, as well as providing instructions to tenants. Tenants, in turn, must test alarms as directed, avoid disabling them, and promptly report any problems or low‑battery warnings to the landlord.

What is the legal risk if I do not comply?

Failing to install required CO alarms or disabling an alarm can lead to provincial offence charges, fines, and potential liability exposure if someone is injured due to CO poisoning. For landlords and property managers, non‑compliance may be raised in civil claims, insurance disputes, or regulatory enforcement proceedings following a CO incident.

What is on a basic CO alarm compliance checklist?

A practical compliance checklist for Ontario homeowners and landlords should include: at least one working CO alarm on every storey; an alarm adjacent to each sleeping area; confirmation that alarms meet Canadian certification standards (CSA, ULC, or ETL); and documentation of installation dates. It is also prudent to note battery replacement dates (if applicable), monthly testing reminders, and the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule for each unit.

How should CO alarms be placed and maintained?

CO alarms should generally be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, often on the ceiling or high on a wall, away from vents, dead air spaces, or areas where airflow is obstructed. Owners and tenants should test alarms monthly, replace batteries as recommended (often annually for replaceable‑battery units), and replace the entire alarm every 5–10 years, depending on the model specifications.thereview+1​

Do these rules apply to condos and apartments?

Yes, the requirements apply broadly to residential occupancies, including condos, apartments, and rental suites that contain a fuel‑burning appliance, fireplace, or share walls, floors, or ceilings with an attached garage or service room containing fuel‑burning equipment. In such buildings, alarms may be required both within individual units and in certain common or service areas where CO risks are present.clarkekelly+1​

What practical steps should Ontario residents take before 2026?

Owners should review whether their home or rental property has any fuel‑burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage, then map each storey to confirm that a compliant alarm is installed on that level and by every sleeping area. Booking a professional inspection of fuel‑burning appliances and documenting compliance before January 1, 2026, can help reduce safety risks and demonstrate due diligence if any legal questions arise later.