Fire Safety - it's no joke! Don't get a "fly by night" property manager or hire a real estate professional simply to rent out your unit to a tenant. If the person you hire to do tenant placement is not going to take ALL measures to inform you, well, this is a huge liability to you and not the right person for the job...PERIOD. Going to manage the property yourself? BE INFORMED and know all legalities that come with it. Not just about zoning but also fire and safety. Be a responsible owner, it's so much more than just cashing cheques every month. Read the following for more information because ignorance is not an excuse and you'll be fined heavily...
Rental Property Owner Information
Do you own a rental property of ANY kind? Make sure you’re familiar with your responsibilities as outlined under the Ontario Fire Code.
“Unless otherwise specified, the OWNER shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this Code”.
The bottom line for building owners is:
- There are requirements for ALL buildings. (Yes, even single family dwellings)
- Ignorance of the law is NO excuse, you ARE responsible.
- Fire Inspectors WILL ask to see your records of maintenance and testing.
Failure to comply with any of the requirements of the Fire Code including to keep and produce records is an offense under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to 1 year or both. (For corporations, the fines are up to $100,000). (Note: or the death or injury to your tenant which will be on your conscience!)
Why are the penalties so harsh? The requirements of the current Ontario Fire Code have come about as a result of past fires that resulted in the tragic loss of life and property. The Fire Code is a minimum standard that’s sole purpose is to save lives and property. While it may not necessarily be on the best sellers list, the Ontario Fire Code is essential reading (the relevant sections) for property owners. If you don’t know what it says, how do you know if your building is compliant? Fortunately, there are lots of ways to obtain the information you need:
- Purchase a copy of the Ontario Fire Code.
- Reference a copy of the Ontario Fire Code on the “The Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal” website www.ofm.gov.on.ca.Contact a private consultant experienced with the Ontario Fire Code.
- Contact the Barrie Fire and Emergency Service.
Remember, when it comes to smoke alarms in residential dwelling units, YOU must install them, YOU must maintain them, and YOU must provide the tenant with a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions. It is strongly recommended that you complete the maintenance log with the tenants and have them sign as well for your records. Do this when they move in and annually after that. How else will you prove you have installed and maintained the smoke alarm as per the Fire Code should a discrepancy arise?
Second Suites - Do you own one? Is it LEGAL or ILLEGAL? Regardless, owners of houses containing two self-contained residential units (dwelling units) are now required to bring their buildings into compliance with the new fire safety regulation adopted under the Ontario Fire Code. Tenants in these buildings are entitled to ask their landlords to make sure that the fire regulations are met.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
In general, the regulation contained in the Ontario Fire Code addresses four fire safety issues:
fire separation for each dwelling unit means of escape from each dwelling unit smoke alarms electrical safety
The owner has three options for compliance with the fire separation for dwelling units. Four options are provided for compliance with the means of escape from each dwelling unit.
Depending on the option selected for fire separation and means of escape, it may be necessary to install electrically wired, interconnected smoke alarms throughout the house. Interconnected smoke alarms are designed to sound simultaneously when any one smoke alarm is activated, providing early warning to all occupants of the house at the same time.
Where interconnected smoke alarms are not installed, every dwelling unit must be equipped with a battery operated or electrically wired smoke alarm on every floor level that contains a bedroom or sleeping area.
All smoke alarms must be maintained in working condition, and they must be audible in the bedrooms when the bedroom door is closed.
The owner must also arrange for the house to be inspected by Ontario Hydro and to correct all fire safety hazards identified through this inspection.
Owners should be aware that bringing existing houses into compliance with the new regulation may require repairs or alterations for which a building permit is needed under the Building Code Act.
This text is for INFORMATION purposes only. For more information on compliance, contact the City of Barrie Fire & Emergency Service Headquarters the the contact information below. Downloads are also available for you as well.
Remember, it's YOUR responsibility regardless if you have a Property Manager or not. Make sure you follow up and have WRITTEN confirmation at all times.
Barrie Fire & Emergency
Service HeadquartersPhone: (705) 728-3199155 Dunlop Street West
Downloads
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