Direct open flames from matches, lighters or candles should not be used to test smoke alarms. The exterior of the case is physically damaged. The exterior case is painted. The unit is covered with smoke stains, heavy grease or dirt accumulations. The smoke alarm causes frequent false alarms that are not the result of cooking or steam.
Batteries show evidence of leakage or corrosion.
The smoke alarm is more than 10 years old or has exceeded the manufacturer's recommended life cycle. This includes the obligation to take action when a tenant or occupant reports a problem or files a complaint respecting operability of smoke alarms. The testing and maintenance schedule identified in Section 3 of this guideline is also the landlord's responsibility. Such testing can only be carried out with the full co-operation of the tenant or occupant since access to the smoke alarm must be available. The lease agreement should therefore include provisions for access to carry out the necessary testing and maintenance.