Carbon Monoxide Alarm Code Changes Coming Soon
With new regulatory changes coming into effect January 1, 2026 under the Ontario Fire Code, it is more important than ever for property owners, managers and inspectors to understand and act on the updated requirements.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the "silent killer": it's colourless, odourless and can build up in a home with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages. With the new regulatory changes coming into effect January 1, 2026, under the Ontario Fire Code, it's more important than ever for property owners, managers and inspectors to understand and act on the updated requirements.
What's Changing?
Starting January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code will impose stricter CO alarm installation rules across residential occupancies (single-family homes, multi-unit dwellings, apartments) where certain risk factors exist (fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage). Key changes include:
- A CO alarm must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area in the dwelling.
- A CO alarm must be installed on every storey of the dwelling without a sleeping area too (e.g., main floor or basement) when the risk factors apply.
- These requirements apply regardless of building age (i.e., existing homes/residential units also).
- They apply where: a fuel-burning appliance is present (or servicing the unit), a fireplace is present, or there is an attached garage (or even a forced-air appliance located outside the unit but servicing it) in certain unit types.
The changes are made under O. Reg. 87/25, which amends the Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
Why Does This Matter?
Many homes already have one CO alarm (often near a bedroom). Under the new rules, more alarms will be required in many properties. This means that property owners and inspectors need to evaluate current installations and identify gaps.
CO exposure remains a serious health and safety risk, especially overnight when occupants are asleep and might not realize symptoms. The extended coverage (every storey, near sleeping areas) means more timely warning.
Non-compliance may lead to enforcement or liability issues — especially for landlords, multi-unit building owners, property managers, and inspectors who are advising or certifying properties.
What Property Owners, Landlords, and Inspectors Should Do Now
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Audit existing CO alarm installations: Review each dwelling unit for the presence of:
- A CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area, and
- A CO alarm on each storey without a sleeping area (if the unit is impacted by one of the risk factors).
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Identify risk factors: Does the unit have a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage? Are there units where a forced-air fuel-burning appliance outside the unit services the unit? These trigger the requirements.
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Plan for additional alarms: Where gaps exist, order and install additional CO alarms so that come Jan 1, 2026, you're compliant. Note that battery-operated or plug-in CO alarms are permitted under many municipal notices.
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Maintain proper alarm performance:
- Test CO alarms regularly (monthly is advised)
- Replace alarms at manufacturer's expiry (often after 7–10 years)
- Ensure battery backup or power source is maintained
- Ensure fuel-burning appliances and venting are inspected annually (to reduce CO risk).
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Update inspection protocols and documentation: As an inspection business you'll want to:
- Adjust your inspection reports to explicitly note compliance (or non-compliance) with the new CO alarm locations and counts.
- Educate clients about the upcoming Jan 1, 2026 date so they're aware there's no "grandfathering" just because a home is old.
With the Jan 1, 2026 deadline for the CO alarm requirement changes under the Ontario Fire Code now set, there's no better time than today to review your residential properties (single homes, multi-unit, apartments, etc.).
What Tripoint Inspections Inc. can emphasize to clients:
- Proactive compliance: We recommend you act now rather than wait until the deadline when contractors may be busy and supply constraints may exist.
- Documentation and accountability: Many landlords and property managers will now have to show records of compliance.
- Risk mitigation: In buildings with many units, a missing alarm may convert into a liability exposure; the updated rules help reduce that exposure — but only if acted on.
