WHAT EVERY LANDLORD SHOULD KNOW Where to get carbon monoxide detector Fire Safety tips Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector ALERT! Carbon monoxide, also called CO is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas, which is very toxic. When breathed, our body is unable to absorb oxygen. We highly recommend that all landlords install both a carbon monoxide and smoke detector alarm in each of their rental units. A carbon monoxide detector is not a substitute for regular care and maintenance by a qualified professional of the furnace, chimney, and all fuel-burning equipment. Please ensure that a licensed professional regularly maintains your furnace, chimney, appliance and all fuel-burning equipment. You should also encourage your tenants to use all natural gas equipment in a safe manner. The Ontario Fire Code now requires that the owner of a chimney, flue or flue pipe must have an annual inspection. The Fire Code also requires that an inspection be done when a fuel-burning appliance is added or after a chimney fire. SIGNS OF POSSIBLE CARBON MONOXIDE PROBLEMS: 1. The pilot light of a furnace or other gas-fired equipment keeps going out. 2. Stale or stuffy air 3. Excessive moisture on windows and walls 4. Soot build-up around appliance walls. WHERE TO GET A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR AND SMOKE DETECTOR? Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are usually available at your local hardware store. Please ensure that the carbon monoxide detector that you have has been approved under regulations of your area where applicable. Make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Smoke detectors usually have specific instructions regarding where they should be installed, how they should be maintained and when they should be replaced. Please read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Send out a notice to your tenant(s) informing them that it is their responsibility to ensure that there children and family members know about the smoke alarm; and they should have a rehearsed plan about how to get out of the unit or house immediately when they hear the sound of the smoke alarm. Remind your tenants, to inform their children that smoke alarms are not toys. MAKE SURE THAT Your rental unit has a fire escape plan Units with children and elderly occupants should take special precautions (your local fire department will assist) If you have an apartment building, or low rise, make sure your tenants know which stairways will get them out of the building Inform your tenants never to take the elevator during a fire FIRE SAFETY TIPS 1. Tenants should not maintained stacks of papers, or excess boxes in their unit 2. Tenants should dispose of trash that can fuel a fire 3. Landlords should conduct frequent inspection of the rental premises to determine if the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working condition 4. Clean and text smoke and carbon monoxide detectors 5. Have all electrical equipment, furnaces and fuel-burning appliances all properly maintained by a qualified and licensed professional 6. Chimney and furnaces should be cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician. Do not delay chimney and furnace repairs! 7. Send a written notice to your tenants at least three times per year reminding them of fire safety tips that they should practice. Tenants should be reminded to keep matches and lighters away from their children. 8. During the inspection of your rental unit(s), check if your tenants are storing fuel or other combustible materials. If they are immediately ask them to remove said materials. Then, once you get home prepare a letter to your tenant, again asking tenant to remove said materials. Give tenants a deadline to do so. Notify your local fire department. 9. Keep garbage in a safe fireproof area. 10. Call your local Fire Department today! PLEASE DO NOT WAIT any longer. Request a copy of their "Fire in Your Apartment Building" pamphlet. Even if you do not have an apartment building, you will be able to use several ideas from this pamphlet and implement for your own special situation - for the basement tenant, shared accommodation, single family rental home etc. For more information contact your local gas company, and fire department. top