Building Owner and Tenant Information
Requirements for Building Owners
The Ontario Fire Code, Ontario Regulation 213/07, defines an owner as any person, firm or corporation having control over any portion of a building or property under consideration, and includes the persons in the building or property. Unless otherwise specified, the owner is responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Ontario Fire Code and ensuring that the building complies with all applicable fire safety requirements.
These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Fire safety and maintenance: Ensuring that fire safety equipment and systems are inspected, tested and maintained as required by the Ontario Fire Code.
- Fire safety planning: Developing and maintaining a fire safety plan where required, and ensuring that building occupants are familiar with applicable fire safety procedures.
- Means of egress: Maintaining exits, corridors, stairways and other means of egress in a safe, unobstructed and usable condition.
- Fire protection systems: Ensuring that required fire alarm systems, smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, fire separations and other fire protection features are maintained and operational, as applicable.
- Retrofit requirements: Ensuring that existing buildings comply with the applicable requirements of Part 9 (Retrofit) of the Ontario Fire Code, where applicable. These provisions establish fire and life safety requirements for certain existing buildings, which may include requirements for fire separations, exits, fire alarm and detection systems, and fire suppression systems. Compliance must be achieved in accordance with the applicable provisions and any approved alternatives or Life Safety Study permitted by the Code.
The specific requirements that apply to a building depend on factors such as its occupancy, construction, size and existing fire protection features. Building owners are responsible for identifying and addressing applicable requirements, including any outstanding retrofit obligations and required compliance timelines.
Upon request, the Arnprior Fire Department will provide information and guidance to building owners, operators and other responsible parties to help them understand and fulfil their obligations under the Ontario Fire Code. This assistance is intended to support compliance and reduce the risk of fire, injury and loss of life among residents, staff and all building occupants.
Information for Tenants
The Ontario Fire Code has specific requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarm installation and maintenance. These alarms are very important for the safety of you and your neighbours by giving early warning of fire or unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. Your landlord is responsible for installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and keeping them in working condition, including testing, repairs and replacement as necessary. Your landlord must also act to correct any problem or concern you report about the operation of your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
The Fire Code also specifies that “no person shall disable a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm so as to make it inoperable”. A tenant or any other person who disables a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is guilty of a provincial offence and is subject to a fine.
For your protection, you are encouraged to take part in ensuring that the smoke alarms are operational and to co-operate with the landlord in carrying out the necessary testing and maintenance.