Smoke and CO Alarm Requirements in Ontario: A 5-Minute Check for Toronto Homeowners Before the Clocks Change

Is your smoke alarm still working? Most of us only find out when it chirps at 3 a.m. Or worse, when we need it and it stays silent.

The clocks go back on Sunday, November 1, 2026, so this weekend is a good time to get ahead of it. It takes about five minutes. If you own a home in Toronto and surrounding areas, it also helps to know what Ontario expects from you. Here are the smoke and CO alarm requirements in Ontario in plain language, and a simple way to check yours.

What do Ontario's smoke and CO alarm rules require?

The City of Toronto's guidance on smoke alarms is clear: you need a working alarm on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. Depending on the age of your home, an alarm may also be required inside each bedroom.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms work a little differently. In a house, you need a working CO alarm if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage. That covers a gas furnace, a gas water heater, a fireplace, and a garage that connects to your house. The alarm goes next to each sleeping area, following the manufacturer's instructions.

The City of Toronto's CO page also says that since January 1, 2026, CO alarms are required on every storey of the home. If you set up your alarms a few years ago, that is worth a second look. 

If you live in a condo or apartment, the rules depend on your unit. Owners need a CO alarm if the unit has a fuel-burning appliance or a fireplace, or if it sits directly above, below or beside a service room or garage. Not sure what applies to you? Your local fire department can tell you.

Why does a working alarm matter so much?

Because an alarm only helps if it works. In a 2023 news release, Toronto Fire Services said that over the previous five years, about half of Toronto's residential fires happened in homes without working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are the early warning that gives you time to get out.

A dead battery or an expired alarm will not warn you. That is the whole reason for a yearly check.

How do I check my alarms in five minutes?

1. Test every alarm. Press and hold the test button until you hear the beep. Check every floor and the hallways outside bedrooms. Toronto recommends testing smoke and CO alarms monthly.
2. Check the date on the back. Smoke alarms should be replaced when they are more than 10 years old. CO alarms vary by brand, so look for the end-of-life date on the label.
3. Swap the batteries if needed. A chirp means the battery is low. Replace it right away and test the alarm again. Some alarms have a sealed 10-year battery and need no swap. Regular batteries are best changed twice a year, when the clocks change.
4. Dust them off. Gently vacuum around each alarm with a soft brush about every six months. For alarms wired into your electrical system, turn the power off first, and test them afterward.
5. Add a CO alarm where you need one. Put one near the bedrooms if you have a gas furnace, a fireplace or an attached garage.

When you replace an alarm, use the same type (battery, wired, or both) as the original.

Where should alarms go?

Ceilings are the recommended spot for smoke alarms. Try to keep them away from bathrooms, heating appliances, windows and ceiling fans, since steam, drafts and heat can set off false alarms or hide a real one.

What should I do if an alarm goes off?

If a smoke alarm sounds, get everyone outside first, then call 911 from outside. If a CO alarm sounds and anyone has symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness or confusion, get everyone out of the home right away and call 911 from outside. With no symptoms, check the battery and whether the alarm has reached its end-of-life before assuming the worst, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

What if I am buying, selling or renting out a home?

If you are buying: Take a few minutes at your walkthrough to look at the alarms. Note how many there are, where they are, and whether they look old. Plan to test them and check the dates once you take possession, so you start with a clean slate.

If you are selling: Working alarms are a small thing, and they will not change your price. But they cost very little to fix, and a home that feels cared for in the small details leaves a good impression.

If you are a landlord: Ontario sets clear duties. Landlords must install and maintain smoke and CO alarms, keep them powered, and give tenants the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. Tenants must not disable the alarms and should tell the landlord quickly if one is not working. Penalties under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act can be serious, up to $50,000 and/or one year in jail for individuals, and up to $500,000 for corporations.

My take

I like checklists that are short enough to actually do. This one is five minutes, a few batteries, and a bit of peace of mind. Pick a day before the clocks change on November 1, test every alarm, check the dates, and add a CO alarm if your home needs one. If you are not sure what your home requires, ask your local fire department. They are glad to help. [

Questions about your home or your next move?

I am here for you. Call or email anytime.

👩🏻‍💼 Khoa Le, Real Estate Broker | Real Broker Ontario
📱 647-271-5461
📧 khoa@realimpactgroup.com
🏡 @realimpactgroup | @realbrokerage

This post is general information only. It is not legal, fire-code or safety advice. For what applies to your home, check with your local fire department.

Sources

• City of Toronto: Smoke alarms
• City of Toronto: Carbon monoxide alarms
• City of Toronto news release (Sept 28, 2023): Test Your Smoke Alarm Day