As of January 1, 2026 Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms will now be required on every floor of new and existing homes under the updated Ontario Fire Code. This mandated change will improve household safety and help further prevent incidents caused by carbon monoxide, known as the silent killer.
Carbon monoxide alarms are required in residential buildings in the following locations:
Outside every sleeping area in your home (this could be one unit in the hall adjacent to multiple bedrooms).
NEW: On every storey (floor) that does not contain a sleeping area (for example a main floor or basement).
These requirements apply to homes with fuel-burning appliances (furnace, water heater, or stove that uses natural gas, propane, oil or wood), fireplaces, attached garages or heating supplied by a fuel-burning appliance not contained within the home.
Requirements have also expanded for multi-unit residential buildings (apartments, condominiums, retirement homes and hotels) and care facilities. Building owners and operators must ensure working CO alarms are installed inside individual suites, on every storey (if there are multiple levels) and in public corridors.
Building owners, landlords and homeowners are responsible for ensuring CO alarms are properly installed, maintained and in working condition in accordance with the Ontario Fire Code. Alarms must meet Canadian performance standards and may be hardwired, battery-operated or plug-in, as permitted by regulation.
Residents can take several steps now to ensure their homes are protected and compliant.
Review your current alarms: Ensure CO alarms are already installed in all required areas of your home.
Prepare for the new requirements: Purchase and install any additional alarms ahead of the January 1, 2026 deadline, or notify your landlord or property owner if upgrades are needed.
Keep alarms in good working order: Test alarms regularly and replace them at the end of their service life (typically every 5 to 10 years).
Schedule annual appliance inspections: Have all fuel‑burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician each year and make sure vents and exhaust outlets remain clear of snow, debris, or other obstructions.
Consider combination units: Combination of smoke/CO alarms installed on each level of your home may be used to meet the updated requirements.
Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odourless and colourless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and vehicles. Properly installed and maintained CO alarms will ring loudly to provide an early warning. If you or anyone else in your home has symptoms of CO poisoning, or your CO alarm sounds, make sure that everyone leaves the home immediately and call 9-1-1.
For more information, visit cyfs.ca
