What Are the 7 Key Fire Safety Tips for Ontario Landlords?

With the rental market in Ontario on the rise, now more than ever, tenant safety is becoming important. Fire safety is a key aspect of property management that will make a world-wide difference in residents' well-being and the sustainability of rental properties over time.

At Royal York Property Management, we emphasize tenant safety and property integrity, knowing that a proactive approach toward fire safety is crucial for both landlords and tenants. Being rated number one in property management for six years running, Royal York Property Management assures property owners of the ability to relax and diversify their portfolios while professionally managing complexities.

Competitive in the Ontario landscape, the property management portfolio is strong and now includes 22,000 properties valued in excess of $10.1 billion in combined assets. Here are seven top-line fire safety tips that will help every Ontario landlord stay ahead of the coming 2024 regulations and protect their investments.

1: Understand Responsibilities Under the Ontario Fire Code  

The Ontario Fire Code sets out roles and responsibilities between the tenant and landlord in a rental property with respect to fire safety. You are considered a landlord if you are any person, firm, or corporation having control over any part of the building or property; therefore, you are responsible for compliance with all the Fire Code's fire safety provisions. Compliance is not just about avoiding fines; it's about ensuring the safety and security of your tenants. Ignoring these responsibilities can lead to severe penalties, including fines up to $50,000 or imprisonment for individuals and up to $100,000 for corporations.

2: Types of Residency and Building Requirements  

Different types of rental dwellings in Ontario—single-family homes, apartment buildings, two-unit or second suite occupancies, and boarding houses—all have requirements under the municipal zoning and property standards by-laws. Of key importance for landlords is that their rentals conform to these standards, such as acquiring an appropriate business license and other regulations within the bylaws, like fire separations, exits, and alarm systems. Knowing and obeying such regulations would assist in averting possible fire hazards at the property and generally contribute to the safety of the dwelling.

3: Maintaining Fire Code Standards  

Ensuring the minimum standards as prescribed by the Ontario Building Code are being met is the basic duty of a landlord. This requires that normal inspections and the fixing of any potential problems be corrected on time to avoid fire outbreaks. The Ontario Fire Code has a no-nonsense intolerance for violations. Various places, such as fire separations between units, flammable storage in garages or sheds, and dryer venting in laundry facilities, are some of the key areas to look at during inspections. Proactive maintenance helps to prevent fires and protect tenants and property alike.

4: Prevention Responsibilities   

Landlords can manage and avert potential fire risks by developing a fire safety checklist. Develop a checklist for the regular inspection of fire separations in walls and ceilings. The area of garages or sheds where flammable items are stored should be minimized. Dryer venting systems must be properly maintained. Tenants should be aware of their responsibilities regarding keeping the premises safe and secure. It is good practice to maintain a safe environment with regular communication about fire safety with tenants.

5: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors  

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can be some of the best devices used to protect tenants from fire. Such devices are usually placed in strategic positions within the structure: the bedrooms, hallways, and common areas. Periodic testing and maintenance of the detectors are necessary in order to make them fully functional. In Ontario, landlords are required to provide and install working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or they may face heavy fines and even legal action in the event of a violation.

6: Emergency Exits  

There should be at least two emergency exits per dwelling, which should not be blocked. The landlords should ensure, through regular inspections, that the emergency exits are clear and working. People being educated on where the emergency exit is and how to use it is crucial for their safety during a fire. The development of an emergency evacuation plan and its sharing with the tenants can greatly help in terms of increased preparedness and responses in an emergency.

7: Heat Sources and Maintenance  

Stoves, fireplaces, and the heating system all need regular maintenance to avoid fire hazards. Landlords will ensure that the heat sources do not come into contact with tenants on their premises, especially those who have young children. Chimneys, fireplaces, and stoves should be regularly cleaned and checked for any flammable materials. All heating systems need to be maintained in good working condition and meet the standards required for safety so as to effectively minimize fire hazards.

Tenant safety is one of the most important responsibilities of a landlord in Ontario, and fire safety is a significant part of this responsibility. Fire safety standards for landlords can be set based on sound knowledge and obedience to the Ontario Fire Code; in effect, regular maintenance and inspection programs must be ensured for the properties to be relatively safe for the tenants.

At Royal York Property Management, we are dedicated to assisting landlords in achieving this goal through expert advice and comprehensive property management services. Prioritizing fire safety shall safeguard tenants, property, and investment by landlords, inspiring a secure and thriving rental community. For more information on Royal York Property Management and our services, visit: royalyorkpropertymanagement.ca