Updates to carbon monoxide (CO) safety rules in Ontario took effect on January 1, 2026. A series of changes to the Ontario Fire Code expand where alarms must be placed in residential buildings.
The requirements, outlined in Section 2.16 of Division B of the Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07), apply to all existing townhomes, semi-detached, detached and cottages that have any of the following:
- A fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace, water heater, or stove that uses natural gas, propane, oil, or wood).
- A fireplace.
- An attached garage.
- Air for heating that comes from a fuel-burning appliance not contained within the home (e.g., an appliance in a utility shed).
Homes that meet any of the conditions listed above must have a CO alarm installed: adjacent to each sleeping area (near all bedrooms); and on every storey (floor), including storeys that do not have a sleeping area.
Condominiums and Apartment Buildings
These changes also align with recent updates to the Ontario Building Code, which include new CO alarm requirements for existing multi-unit residential buildings, such as condos and apartment buildings, houses with two or more units (e.g., duplexes);
Requirements also apply to retirement homes, hotels and motels, and boarding, lodging, or rooming houses.
Where CO alarms must be installed
The responsibility for compliance falls on both owners and landlords. Owners are responsible for complying with the CO alarm requirements in the Fire Code. In rental homes, the landlord is responsible.
Installation is necessary in several areas of the building if certain conditions apply. Here are some requirements including what took effect January 1, 2026:
Inside individual units
- Effective January 1, 2026: the suite is heated by air coming from a fuel-burning appliance that is not contained within the suite (e.g., heat from a furnace in a central service room).
- The suite itself contains a fuel-burning appliance (like a furnace or water heater) or a fireplace.
- The suite is located directly above, below, or beside a service room that has a fuel-burning appliance.
- The suite is located directly above, below, or beside a garage.
Placement within the suite:
- Adjacent to each sleeping area (e.g.: near all bedrooms).
- Effective January 1, 2026: On every storey (floor) of the suite, including storeys that do not have a sleeping area.
Service rooms and common areas:
- Effective January 1, 2026: CO alarms must be installed in public corridors serving the residential suites, if those corridors are heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance.
- A CO alarm must be installed in each service room or area of the building that contains a fuel-burning appliance.
