In Guelph, homeowners and landlords must install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of their residences by January 1, 2026, under updates to the Ontario Fire Code and the City’s new safety requirements.
The update applies to any home that has a fuel‑burning appliance, a fireplace, an attached garage, or heated air supplied from a fuel‑burning appliance located outside the home. CO alarms must meet recognized standards (for example, CAN/CSA‑6.19 or UL 2034) and must be installed on each storey of the dwelling, not just near sleeping areas as under the previous rules.
Building owners are responsible for complying with the new requirements. In rental suites, landlords are specifically required to install and maintain CO alarms and to test them at least annually (and whenever batteries are replaced, the electrical circuit is changed, or tenancy changes occur). Homeowners should maintain alarms and test them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions (monthly testing is recommended). Tenants must notify their landlord if a CO alarm is not working and must not tamper with or remove batteries from alarms.
The Guelph Fire Department announced a zero‑tolerance enforcement approach on May 1, 2025. Non‑compliance can lead to penalties under provincial law (the Fire Protection and Prevention Act) of up to $50,000 and may include other sanctions in certain circumstances.
Compliance checks will occur during routine fire inspections, complaint‑based visits and emergency calls. The City of Guelph website and the provincial ‘Carbon monoxide safety’ page provide guides and resources to help residents meet the January 1, 2026 deadline.
