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Carbon Monoxide Awareness

New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements Effective on Jan. 1, 2026

The Ontario Fire Code is regularly updated to help keep people safe in their homes. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, new rules have taken effect that expand carbon monoxide (CO) alarm requirements in some homes.

If your home has fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage, these updates may apply to you. The changes are designed to improve safety and better protect families across Ontario.

Homeowners, landlords, and tenants are encouraged to learn about the new requirements and make sure their homes have the proper carbon monoxide protection in place.

What's New?

The new Fire Code requirements that came into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, will expand CO alarm installation in:

  • Existing Homes: Alarms will now be required on every storey, not just near sleeping areas.
  • Multi-Unit Residential Buildings: CO alarms must be installed in all suites meeting certain conditions, service rooms, and, in some cases, public corridors.
  • Care Occupancies: This includes residential care facilities and certain group homes, where CO alarms will be required in suites and common areas.

These changes are designed to better protect vulnerable populations and ensure CO alarms are placed where risks are highest.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless toxic gas that enters the body through the lungs during the breathing process. It replaces oxygen in the blood and prevents the flow of oxygen to the heart, brain and other vital organs.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. In Ontario, more than 65 percent of CO-related injuries and fatalities occur in residential homes.

Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. More severe exposure may lead to confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, and even death.

What to do if your Carbon Monoxide Alarm sounds:

If your CO alarm sounds, move everyone outside to fresh air immediately and call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Requirements on CO alarms in the home:

You must have working carbon monoxide alarms in your home if it has any of the following:

  • A fuel-burning appliance (furnace, water heater, gas stove, wood stove, etc.)
  • A fireplace
  • An attached garage
  • Air for heating that comes from a fuel-burning appliance outside the home (e.g., furnace in a shed) - new as of Jan. 1, 2026

Homes that are fully electric with no fuel appliances or attached garage do not need CO alarms under these rules.

Where CO alarms must be installed:

If your home meets any of the above conditions, alarms must be placed:

  • Adjacent to each sleeping area (e.g., hallway outside bedrooms)
  • On every storey (floor) of the home, including floors without bedrooms, such as basements and main floors - this is part of the 2026 update.

Types and Standards:

CO alarms can be:

  • Hardwired (connected to electrical system)
  • Battery-operated
  • Plug-in units

They must meet recognized Canadian safety standards (CSA, ULC, ETL, etc.).

Maintenance:

Homeowners and landlords should:

  • Test alarms monthly
  • Replace batteries annually or as recommended
  • Replace alarms at the end of their service life (per manufacturer instructions)

Landlords and Tenants:

  • Landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining CO alarms in rental units.
  • Tenants must report any problems with alarms to the landlord.

If there are potential sources of carbon monoxide in your home, you now need a CO alarm in every level of your home and near all sleeping areas to help keep you safe from this invisible, deadly gas.