About rental property fire safety plans
If you own a rental property in Wrenford, you must have an approved fire safety plan. This plan explains how you will keep tenants safe in a fire and how they should leave the building quickly. Under the Residential Rental Property Licensing By-law 2024-078, every rental unit needs a plan that matches the layout and features of your building.
Landlords are responsible for preparing the plan, but you can hire a qualified fire safety consultant or property manager to help. The City reviews each plan to make sure it meets provincial standards and the Ontario Building Code.
What you need to prepare
Before you submit your plan, check that your property meets these basic safety requirements:
- Working smoke alarms in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area
- Carbon monoxide alarms where required by code
- Cleared and marked emergency exits
- Accessible fire stairs and hallways
- Properly maintained electrical panels and heating systems
Missing or faulty alarms are the most common reason plans get sent back. Make sure every device is installed according to the Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms guidelines before you start.
How to submit your plan
Follow these steps to get your fire safety plan reviewed:
- Complete your property — Finish any required upgrades and get the necessary building permits for structural or electrical changes.
- Download the template — Use the City's Fire Safety Plan template and symbol guide to fill out the required sections.
- Submit online — Upload your completed plan through the Fire Prevention online portal.
- Pay the fee — A review fee of $125.00 applies to the first submission. We will email you a payment link once your file is assigned.
- Wait for the review — Staff typically review and return comments within 3 to 5 business days.
Fire inspections and compliance
Submitting a plan does not replace a physical inspection. When you apply for your rental property licence, the City will schedule a fire inspection. An officer will verify that the alarms, exits, and systems match what you wrote in your plan.
If the inspection finds deficiencies, you will get a correction notice. You have 30 days to fix the issues and request a re-inspection. A re-inspection fee of $75.00 applies if the officer must return to your property.
Keep a copy of your approved plan in a secure location on-site. Tenants must also receive a copy so they know the evacuation routes and alarm locations. Plans must be updated every 12 months or whenever the building layout changes.
Need help?
If you have questions about the plan format, property requirements, or your licence application, contact the Fire Prevention Office.
Fire Station 1 (Headquarters)
210 Water Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A6
Administration hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 519-555-0115
Email: [email protected]