Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements Expanded for Condos and Residential Buildings

Condo directors, managers, and owners: carbon monoxide alarm rules are officially in effect.

As of Jan. 1, new Ontario Fire Code requirements are now live, expanding carbon monoxide (CO) protection in residential buildings, including condos. CO is an invisible, odourless, and deadly gas. These updates are designed to better protect residents across Ontario.

 

What’s required in residential buildings

In suites:

CO alarms are required next to each sleeping area and on every storey, even if there’s no sleeping area in units that:

• Have a fuel-burning appliance or fireplace

• Are above, below, or beside a garage or service room with a fuel-burning appliance

• Are heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance not contained within the suite

In public corridors: CO alarms are required if the corridor is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance.

In service rooms: CO alarms must be installed in any service room with a fuel-burning appliance.

 

Reminder: Building owners, landlords, and condo corporations are responsible for installing and maintaining CO alarms in all required locations; including individual rental suites.

 

For enforcement or clarification, contact your local fire department.

Learn more about CO safety and the current requirements: Ontario.ca/CarbonMonoxide