When the weather turns cold, furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters all work a little harder. For landlords, that means something important: winter is the season when carbon monoxide and fire risks quietly increase.
A missed inspection or an old alarm doesn’t just cause inconvenience. It can put tenants in danger, expose you to liability, and create emergencies that are entirely preventable.
This guide walks through what you’re responsible for, how to keep rentals safe this winter, and how Pendo helps you stay organized with reminders, records, and tenant communication.
TL;DR / Key Takeaways
- Every rental in Canada must have working smoke alarms, and most provinces also require carbon monoxide alarms where fuel-burning appliances exist.
- Landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining alarms.
- Test all alarms before winter and document what you did.
- Keep notes, photos, and inspection dates stored in Pendo for easy record-keeping.
- Use Tenant Messaging in Pendo to send quick seasonal safety reminders.
Why Carbon Monoxide and Fire Safety Matter in Winter
Carbon monoxide (CO) is invisible and odourless. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it…which is why it’s essential to have alarms in the right places.
According to Technical Safety BC, landlords are responsible for ensuring fuel-burning appliances (like furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, and gas stoves) are properly maintained and safely vented.
Most provinces also require:
- Smoke alarms on every floor
- Smoke alarms outside every sleeping area
- CO alarms anywhere you have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage
See: Government of Canada Fire Safety guidance
Skipping inspections or forgetting alarm replacements can put insurance and liability coverage at risk, and more importantly, it can put your tenants at risk.
If you’re unsure when an appliance was last serviced, schedule a check before the heating season really kicks in.
Your Winter Safety Checklist
A quick walkthrough before the first cold snap can make a major difference. Use this list as part of your yearly routine (and see the full Winter Property Checklist on Pendo for extra items).
- Test every smoke and CO alarm
Press and hold the test button until it sounds. If you can’t remember when you last changed the batteries, replace them now. - Look for expired alarms
Most alarms expire after 5–10 years. Flip the alarm over and check the manufacturing date. - Get gas appliances inspected
Book a furnace or boiler service with a certified technician. Confirm vents and chimneys are clear. - Ask tenants about space heaters
If they use them, remind them to keep heaters at least 3 feet away from flammables and never plug them into extension cords. - Clean dryer vents
Built-up lint is one of the most common causes of household fires. - Document everything
Take quick photos or notes. Using Pendo’s property notes keeps everything in one place if you ever need to show proof. Add notes under each property in Pendo to track inspections and dates.
How to Communicate Safety Reminders (Without Sounding Alarmist)
Most tenants appreciate reminders when they’re simple and focused on safety. Short, seasonal check-ins work best.
Here are a few easy ways to keep communication clear:
- Send a friendly note through Tenant Messaging in Pendo reminding them to test alarms and keep heaters clear.
- Share a short checklist (“5-Minute Winter Safety Check: Alarms, vents, candles”).
- Offer to replace batteries if they notice a beeping alarm.
- Add a reminder in Pendo’s Tasks so you don’t forget next year.
Small communications go a long way — and they show tenants you’re paying attention and care about their safety.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Assuming tenants will test alarms. Legally, it’s your responsibility to make sure they’re working.
- Ignoring chirping sounds. A low battery warning means an alarm isn’t reliable.
- Forgetting shared areas. Hallways, stairwells, and laundry rooms also need working smoke alarms.
- Relying on memory. Logging everything in Pendo keeps your documentation tidy and accessible.
A Quick Real-World Example
One BC landlord shared their simple routine: every November, they block off one morning for what they call “Alarm Test Day.” They:
- Bring fresh batteries and a small ladder
- Test every alarm and snap a quick photo
- Add the photos to Pendo under the unit’s notes
- Send tenants a short “All done!” message using Tenant Messaging
The result? No winter emergencies, clean documentation, and tenants who feel looked after.
Final Thoughts
Winter safety is a partnership. You handle compliance and inspections; tenants handle day-to-day awareness. A few minutes of prevention can prevent costly emergencies and keep everyone safer.
And if you centralize your notes, reminders, and tenant communication in Pendo, staying organized through the winter becomes much easier.
Ready to stay organized this winter?
Try Pendo’s built-in tools for task tracking, notes, and tenant communication. Start a free 30-day trial or contact us for a demo anytime.
