Smoke & CO Detector Checklist for Your New Home
Quebec Smoke Detector Requirements You Need to Know
Quebec's Building Code requires at least one smoke detector on every floor of a dwelling, including the basement. Detectors must be installed on or near the ceiling, outside each sleeping area. For Montreal rentals, landlords are responsible for providing working smoke detectors at the start of a lease, but tenants are responsible for maintaining them — including replacing batteries.
Carbon monoxide detectors are required in any home with a fuel-burning appliance (furnace, gas stove, fireplace, or attached garage). Many older Montreal homes rely on natural gas heating, making CO detectors essential. The City of Montreal fire department (SIM) recommends combination smoke/CO units for simplicity.
Testing and Replacing Detectors on Move-In Day
On your first day in the new home, press the test button on every detector. If any fails to sound, replace the batteries immediately. If the detector still does not work, replace the entire unit — they cost $20–$50 at any Montreal hardware store. Smoke detectors have a 10-year lifespan, so check the manufacture date printed on the back. If it is older than 10 years, replace it regardless of whether it passes the test.
CO detectors typically last 5–7 years. If there is no manufacture date visible or the unit looks old, replace it to be safe. Keep a record of installation dates so you know when replacements are due. A simple label on the back with the install date works well.
Proper Placement for Montreal Homes
Install smoke detectors on the ceiling at least 10 centimeters from the nearest wall, or high on a wall 10–30 centimeters from the ceiling. Avoid placing them near kitchens or bathrooms where steam and cooking smoke cause false alarms — a common complaint in Montreal's open-concept loft conversions in Saint-Henri and Griffintown.
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For multi-storey homes and duplexes, place detectors at the top of each staircase where smoke naturally rises. If your Montreal home has a basement apartment or an in-law suite, each dwelling unit needs its own independent set of detectors. When in doubt, the SIM offers free home fire safety inspections — take advantage of this service after you move in.
