Renters & Landlords Urged to Take Precautions Following Fatal Carbon Monoxide Incident

BC Renters and Landlords Urged to Take Precautions Following a Fatal Carbon Monoxide Exposure Incident

Vancouver, BC (November 4, 2025) - Technical Safety BC is urging renters and landlords to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from carbon monoxide exposure following the publication of an investigation report for a fatal carbon monoxide exposure incident that took place in a BC home earlier this year.

The investigation found that a malfunctioning gas furnace expelled flue gases containing high levels of carbon monoxide into the home that included a rental unit. Sadly, a tenant was found deceased, and the homeowner was taken to hospital with severe symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The investigation also found there were no carbon monoxide alarms in the home to alert occupants to the danger.

“This tragic incident highlights why it’s crucial for anyone who lives in a home with gas appliances to have a working carbon monoxide alarm. They are affordable, easy to install, and can save your life,” says Ryan Hazlett, Leader, Incident Investigations, Technical Safety BC.

Often referred to as the “silent killer,” carbon monoxide also known as CO, is an invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas that can cause serious illness or death when inhaled. The risk of carbon monoxide exposure continues to be the top technical safety risk in the province due to its severity and because many people aren’t aware of its causes or how they can prevent and detect it. Jenna Beauchamp, the fiancée of the man who died, wants renters and landlords to know how to protect themselves from this deadly gas:

“We lived in our rental suite for over four years. Unfortunately, like many people, we didn’t know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, and we didn’t have a carbon monoxide alarm. The night before the incident, I was saying goodnight, I love you, and a few hours later, he was gone. If we had known how to protect ourselves, Michael would still be here.”

Approximately 84% of the carbon monoxide incidents reported to Technical Safety BC occurred in single-detached homes where homeowners were responsible for appliance maintenance, including homes with rental units.

Technical Safety BC’s investigation into the fatal carbon monoxide incident found the furnace had been installed incorrectly but still operated for years with only minor repairs and no regular maintenance. In 2021, a licensed contractor was hired to diagnose some operational issues and identified the need for several repairs or replacement of the furnace. None of the maintenance requirements or recommendations from the licensed contractor were actioned by the homeowner.

“We can’t talk about renter safety without talking about the responsibilities of rental property owners,” says Ryan Hazlett. “Landlords have a legal responsibility under the Gas Safety Regulation to maintain gas equipment in a safe condition and keep accurate records of all maintenance and servicing performed. It’s also important to install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.”

Technical Safety BC is also encouraging renters to advocate for their safety by asking their landlord about annual gas appliance servicing and confirm if their unit has a working carbon monoxide alarm.

The risk of carbon monoxide exposure increases in fall and winter. As the weather gets colder, people start using heating appliances more often and close windows and vents. This can result in higher concentrations of carbon monoxide from appliances that are not working properly, which leads to more frequent and dangerous carbon monoxide incidents.

Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion, chest pain, and confusion. Pets can begin showing signs of carbon monoxide exposure before humans, so it’s important to know the signs.

If you think you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide:

• Get everyone (including pets) outside of the home.
• Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
• Wait for emergency services to confirm it’s safe to return home.

More information on how to protect your loved ones from carbon monoxide exposure is available on Technical Safety BC’s website.