The requirement under the Regina Fire Bylaw for landlords and authorized agents to test all smoke alarms in rental properties will be fully reinstated as of this Monday.

Smoke alarm testing was suspended to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Thanks to the strong numbers of vaccinated residents, and continued health and safety measures, in-home smoke alarm testing can now safely resume.

Landlords and property managers are required to start testing as soon as possible when the suspension ends, and to continue until testing is complete in all rental units.

When performing alarm tests, representatives should exercise COVID-19 safety best practices including wearing masks, physical distancing when possible, and sanitizing hands and shared surfaces.

When a smoke alarm functions as designed and people respond to them as intended, it increases the chance of survival by 50 per cent. Regularly testing these devices can make a difference in whether they activate when it matters most.

Rental property owners and authorized agents are reminded that smoke alarms must be tested in all rental units every six months and before a new tenant moves in. Buildings constructed and used as a rental property before 2013 must have hard-wired smoke alarms in operable condition at all times. All installations must be completed by a licensed journeyman electrician, and an electrical permit must be in place before work can begin.

Homeowners are also reminded to test smoke alarms monthly and ensure a working smoke alarm is installed on every floor.