Ontario Expands Carbon Monoxide Detector Rules to Cover Every Level of Homes
The Ontario government is strengthening home safety rules by expanding the legal requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, changes that take effect on January 1, 2026 under the Ontario Fire Code.
Carbon monoxide, often called the “silent killer,” is a colourless, odourless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces and stoves. Exposure can cause serious illness or death, sometimes without warning.
What the New Law Requires
Under the updated rules, homes that contain fuel-burning appliances or have an attached garage must now have carbon monoxide detectors installed on every storey of the home. This is a significant expansion from the previous requirement, which focused mainly on placing detectors near sleeping areas.
The change means basements, main floors and upper levels must all be protected, even if there are no bedrooms on those floors. Fire officials say this broader coverage improves early detection and gives residents more time to react in an emergency.
Who Is Affected
The new requirements apply to most residential properties, including:
- Detached and semi-detached houses, townhouses and cottages with fuel-burning equipment or attached garages
- Apartment and condominium units in buildings where carbon monoxide sources are present
- Rental properties, where landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining working detectors
Homes that are fully electric and have no attached garage are generally exempt, though safety officials continue to recommend carbon monoxide detectors as a precaution.
Installation and Responsibilities
Carbon monoxide detectors must meet recognized safety standards and may be hardwired, plug-in or battery-operated. Property owners are responsible for ensuring detectors are properly installed and maintained, while tenants are expected to notify landlords if a detector is missing or not working.
Residents are also advised to test detectors regularly, replace batteries as needed, and replace units once they reach the end of their service life.
Why the Rules Are Changing
The province says the update reflects ongoing concerns about carbon monoxide exposure, particularly during colder months when heating systems and garages are used more frequently. By requiring detectors on every level of a home, officials aim to reduce preventable injuries and deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
With the new rules coming into force at the start of 2026, homeowners and landlords are being encouraged to review their current setups now to ensure they comply with the updated law — and to avoid potential fines while improving safety for everyone in the home.