Toronto Landlord Sentenced for Fire Code Violations
Owner of apartment buildings on Dawes Road faces 15 days in custody and $120,000 fine after failing to maintain fire safety systems.
A Toronto landlord has been sentenced to 15 days in custody and ordered to pay a $120,000 fine after failing to comply with Ontario fire safety regulations.
Carolyn Krebs, who owns apartment buildings at 608 and 500 Dawes Rd., was sentenced by Provincial Offences Court this week for violations of the Ontario Fire Protection and Prevention Act. She will also pay a 25 per cent fine surcharge per victim. Toronto Fire Services Chief Jim Jessop said the outcome reinforces owners' legal responsibility to maintain their properties.
"Compliance with the Ontario Fire Code is a legal requirement, and ongoing inspections and proper maintenance of fire protection systems are essential to reducing risk and protecting residents and responding firefighters," Jessop said in a statement.
For large apartment buildings, landlords are responsible for fire protection across the entire building — including smoke alarms, fire detectors, escape routes, and balcony access. Toronto-based realtor Will Doyle noted that jail time and six-figure fines remain uncommon in these cases, suggesting the province and city are signalling stronger enforcement on tenant safety.
Tenants who encounter fire safety concerns can document issues, notify landlords in writing, and contact local fire services in urgent situations. For non-urgent maintenance problems, tenants can file a T6 maintenance application through the Landlord and Tenant Board, though processing times can be lengthy.