New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements Coming into Effect January 1, 2026

Starting January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will require carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every floor of homes and buildings with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. These changes aim to help people detect carbon monoxide sooner and stay safer from this invisible, dangerous gas.

Here’s a simple overview of what’s changing, who needs to take action, and how you can stay safe and follow the new rules.

What's Changing

• Expanded Coverage: CO alarms will be required on every floor of all homes that have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage, not just near sleeping areas.
• Sleeping Area Requirement: A CO alarm still needs to be installed next to each sleeping area in the home.
• New Scope: The rule now also covers homes that are heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance located outside the main residence, such as a furnace in a separate utility room or outbuilding.
• Multi-Unit Dwellings: The new requirements also apply to apartments, condos, and other multi-unit buildings. This includes public corridors if there are fuel-burning systems present.

Responsibilities by Stakeholder

• Homeowners & Landlords: Must ensure CO alarms are installed according to the updated regulations, including adjacent to sleeping areas and on every storey where required.
• Landlords (Rental Units): Must maintain CO alarms, test them annually (or during key moments such as battery replacement or tenant turnover), and provide tenants with maintenance instructions.
• Tenants: Must report non-working or damaged alarms to their landlord as soon as possible.
• Everyone: Should routinely test CO alarms monthly and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically every 5–10 years).

Tips for Compliance & Safety

• Check Your Current Alarms: Even if you have CO alarms installed, you may need additional units to meet the new fire code requirements.
• Buy Certified Alarms: Choose alarms certified by CSA, ULC, ETL, or other recognized agencies.
  Inspect Fuel-Burning Appliances: Have furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and other fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by qualified professionals.
• Maintain Your Alarms: Test monthly, replace batteries or backup power sources as needed, and replace the entire alarm when it reaches end-of-life.
• Know the Sounds: CO alarms sound different from smoke alarms — ensure everyone in your home knows the difference.
• Have an Emergency Plan: If a CO alarm goes off, leave the home immediately and call 911. Never ignore the alarm, even if no one feels sick.