Safety Responsibilities of the Landlord

smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

Landlords are responsible for installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in the correct locations, keeping them in working condition and replacing them when necessary. It is advisable to instruct tenants to not interfere with any smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors.

TheOntario Fire Code requires landlords to test smoke alarms and CO alarms at the following times: 

• annually after a change of tenancy in rental units
• following the installation of a new battery for battery-operated smoke alarms or CO alarms
• after any electrical renovations or servicing when smoke alarms or CO alarms are AC powered to guarantee that the alarm’s circuit is not disconnected.

Here is some helpful links to learn more about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors:

Smoke alarms

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide questions and answers

Best smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in 2021

fire suppression equipment

The Building Code requires fire sprinklers in multiple-unit residential buildings and the residential portions of mixed-used buildings higher than three storeys.The requirements apply to new construction, additions to existing buildings, floors of an existing building that go through a significant change in occupancy, and floor areas that experience extensive renovations.

For more information on regulations needed to be followed by Ontario building code visit their website. Here is a helpful link for sprinkler systems:

Ontario Building Code

electrical systems

The landlord must ensure the electrical system complies with the Electrical Safety Code and the Electrical Safety Authority inspections, which need to be implemented when required. 

Maintenance standards within the Residential Tenancies act specify:

• The landlord will supply electrical power to all habitable spaces on the property.
• The wiring and receptacles needed to provide electrical power must be maintained free of any issues dangerous to persons or property.

For more information please visit these following links about the electrical safety code:

Electrical Safety Code

Ontario Electrical Safety Code

Electrical Safety Code Regulations‍

guarantee tenants have available and sufficient means of egress

It is required for tenants to have known and adequate means of egress (escape), meaning awareness of direct access to a ground-level exterior door or a fire-safe stairway and a sufficient window or balcony.

For more information about the Ontario Building Code regulations for egress windows or doors for bedrooms please visit the following link:

Ontario Building Code Regulations

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For further information to check if your property is up to date under fire and life safety requirements, please visit this website:

Fire and Life Safety Requirements