What Homeowners & Renters Must Know (And How It Affects Your Insurance)

Why Carbon Monoxide Safety Matters

What Is Carbon Monoxide and Why It’s Dangerous

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless, and potentially deadly gas produced by common fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, gas water heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, and even vehicles in attached garages. Because CO cannot be detected by human senses, exposure can escalate quickly, leading to flu-like symptoms, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and, in severe cases, death.

The only reliable protection is a working carbon monoxide alarm that can alert you the moment CO levels become unsafe.

What’s Changing in Ontario’s 2026 Fire Code

Beginning January 1, 2026, Ontario’s updated Fire Code expands where carbon monoxide alarms must be installed. Under the new requirements, alarms must be placed on every storey of a residential building that contains any fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.

Previously, alarms were only required near sleeping areas. The new rules now apply to:

• • Single-family homes
  • Condominiums
  • Rental units
  • Multi-unit residential buildings
  • Some care and vulnerable‑occupancy facilities

This upgrade is designed to improve early detection and reduce injuries and fatalities caused by CO exposure.

The Human & Financial Cost of Being Unprepared

The health risks of CO exposure are well documented, but the financial impact is often overlooked. In addition to creating life-threatening situations, missing or non-working CO alarms can complicate an insurance claim—especially if the loss involves CO exposure, a fuel-burning appliance, or resulting property damage.

If a home is not compliant with the law at the time of a CO-related incident, insurers may review whether safety requirements were met, which can influence how a claim is handled.

How to Comply & Protect Your Insurance

Getting Your Home Compliant

To meet Ontario’s 2026 requirements, homeowners and renters should:

• • Install CO alarms on every floor of your home and near all sleeping areas if you have fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.
  • Choose alarms certified for use in Canada, such as models meeting CSA, ULC, or ETL standards.
  • Test alarms monthly, replace batteries as needed, and follow manufacturer recommendations for replacing units (often every 7–10 years).

Taking these steps not only ensures legal compliance but also significantly improves household safety.

Documentation & Best Practices

It’s a good idea to maintain a simple record of your CO alarm installation and maintenance, including:

• • Purchase receipts
  • Installation dates
  • Monthly testing logs
  • Notes on any replacements or issues

Having clear documentation can be helpful during insurance renewals or in the event of a claim.

How Safety Measures Influence Insurance

Proper CO detection can positively influence your homeowner risk profile. Insurers typically respond favourably to well-maintained safety equipment because it reduces the likelihood and severity of losses.

However, if a CO-related claim occurs and your home wasn’t compliant, the claims process may become more complex. While each insurer evaluates these situations individually, proper alarm installation is a simple step that can help protect both occupants and insurance coverage.

Act Now & Avoid Costly Consequences

Deadlines & Enforcement

Ontario’s updated carbon monoxide alarm requirements take effect on January 1, 2026, with no grace period. Municipal fire departments have the authority to inspect and enforce compliance, and homeowners or landlords may face fines or penalties if required alarms are missing or not functioning.

Landlord & Tenant Responsibilities

Both landlords and tenants have distinct responsibilities under Ontario law:

• • Landlords must install and maintain all required carbon monoxide alarms and ensure that tenants receive instructions for proper use.
  • Tenants must test alarms regularly and report any issues immediately. It is illegal to tamper with, disable, or remove a CO alarm.

Clear communication and shared responsibility help ensure that everyone in the home stays safe.

Beyond Compliance — Peace of Mind

While the new regulations strengthen Ontario’s approach to carbon monoxide safety, they also offer something more meaningful: peace of mind.

Installing alarms on every storey, testing them regularly, and keeping documentation not only improves safety but also enhances the integrity of your home insurance coverage. These small steps create a stronger, more resilient home safety plan.

For more information, visit:

• Ontario Carbon Monoxide Safety (Government of Ontario):
  https://www.ontario.ca/page/carbon-monoxide-safety
• Ontario Fire Code CO Alarm Requirements (Government of Ontario):
  https://www.ontario.ca/files/2025-12/solgen-co-alarm-requirements-homes-en-2025-12-17.pdf