Ontario Fire Door Requirements: A Checklist for GTA Property Managers

Pro commercial doors

1 day ago

2 min read

Fire doors only protect a building if they close and latch every single time. In Ontario, the Fire Code puts the responsibility on the building owner to keep doors in fire separations working and to check them regularly. This checklist covers what property managers in Toronto and the GTA should look for, and what to do when a door fails.

What the Ontario Fire Code expects

Doors in fire separations must be inspected regularly (the Fire Code calls for monthly checks) and kept in good working order.
Fire doors must not be blocked, wedged or held open unless they use approved hold-open devices that release automatically.
Closers and latches must work so the door closes and latches on its own.
Damaged doors, frames and hardware must be repaired with suitable fire-rated parts.
Keep written records of checks and repairs. Fire inspectors and insurers often ask for them.

This is a practical summary, not legal advice. Your fire safety plan and local fire department set the exact requirements for your building.

Monthly fire door checklist

Open the door fully and let it go. It should close and latch without help.
Check the closer for oil leaks, slamming or a door that stops short.
Look for wedges, door stops, kick-down holders or furniture holding the door open.
Check hinges for missing screws, wear or a door that drops when opened.
Look at the gaps around the door. Large or uneven gaps are a warning sign.
Make sure the fire rating label on the door and frame has not been painted over or removed.
Check panic bars and latching hardware on exit doors.
Look for holes, added hardware or damage that was not done with fire-rated parts.

The most common fire door deficiencies we fix

Leaking or failed door closers
Latches and panic hardware that do not engage
Worn hinges causing doors to sag and stop latching
Excessive gaps from a door or frame that has shifted
Damaged hollow metal doors and frames

What to do when a door fails

Do not prop the door open while waiting for a repair. Call us, send a photo, and we will repair the door with suitable fire-rated parts and give you a written note for your records. For buildings with many doors, our fire door inspection and repair service and maintenance plans give you a written list of every deficiency and a single quote to fix them.