Fire Hose Reel in a Quebec Condo: Is It Mandatory?

A “fire hose reel” (RIA) in your building’s corridors or garage can spark debate among the board of directors. Many syndicates wonder whether a fire hose reel in a Quebec condo is mandatory, useful, or could be removed without compromising compliance or safety. This article explains the key points for co-owners and directors.

Updated 2026-08-08. Condominium management in Montreal — multiRent.

In a divided co-ownership, fire hose reels are part of the fire safety equipment in the common portions. Their presence affects maintenance, insurance, the common expenses budget and, in some cases, contingency fund planning. Here is how to decide, with all the facts in hand, whether to keep, modernize or remove a fire hose reel.

Before going any further, keep in mind that the applicable framework arises from the Construction Code and the Safety Code of Quebec, and that every decision must be based on a professional assessment, then validated by the competent authority (the municipal fire safety service) and formalized by the syndicate (a board resolution and, where necessary, a vote at a meeting in accordance with your declaration of co-ownership).

What is a fire hose reel (RIA), and what is it used for?

An RIA is a hose reel with a semi-rigid hose connected to the building’s water supply. It allows a trained occupant to quickly tackle a small fire before firefighters arrive. It differs from:

• Portable fire extinguishers, intended for very localized fires.
• Sprinklers, which activate automatically to control the spread of fire.

In most condos, RIAs are located in corridors, stairwells or parking areas. Their management falls to the syndicate because they are part of the common portions. They must be listed in the maintenance logbook, along with their inspection, testing and maintenance program.

To understand the fire safety equipment framework and the applicable standards, consult the Regie du batiment du Quebec (RBQ), which oversees fire safety in buildings.

Fire hose reels in Quebec condos: mandatory… in which cases?

In Quebec, the obligation to install or maintain an RIA depends on several factors: occupancy category (residential), building height, floor configuration, evacuation distances, the presence of sprinkler systems and the original design. In practice:

• Some residential buildings do not require RIAs when other equivalent measures (e.g., sprinklers, compartmentalization and detection) provide an acceptable level of safety.
• Other buildings, particularly depending on their original design, were delivered with RIAs. In those cases, the equipment is an integral part of the safety system and remains subject to maintenance obligations unless a formal process to take it out of service and remove it is approved by the competent authority.

The reference documents to consult include the Construction Code of Quebec, Building Chapter, and the Safety Code, Building Chapter, which set out the applicable requirements according to occupancy and configuration. The Fire Safety Act also entrusts municipalities with local enforcement of safety measures, making it important to confirm the requirements with your fire service.

Useful resources:

• Safety Code of Quebec, Building Chapter (operating and maintenance rules)
• Construction Code of Quebec, Building Chapter (design and installation)
• RBQ – Fire safety systems and equipment (general information)
• RGCQ – Resources for condominium syndicates (management best practices)

Can an RIA be removed? Conditions, assessments and approvals

The short answer: sometimes, yes, but never without an assessment. Removing an RIA is not simply a matter of “deleting equipment.” It involves modifying a safety system and requires:

1. A risk and compliance assessment signed by a qualified engineer.
2. Consultation with and written authorization from the authority having jurisdiction (often your city’s fire safety service).
3. Work by a qualified contractor (with the appropriate RBQ licence), including certifications and testing.
4. A decision by the syndicate (a board resolution and, if necessary under the declaration of co-ownership, approval at a meeting), along with updated documents (maintenance logbook, plans, maintenance register, emergency manual and signage).

Technical criteria commonly assessed

• Presence of sprinklers and expected performance (full or partial coverage).
• Travel distances, compartmentalization, exits and signage.
• Fire detection and alarm systems (alarms, manual pull stations and panels).
• Flow and pressure of the building’s water supply.
• Accessibility for firefighters (fire hydrants, Siamese connections, etc.).

Governance steps for the syndicate

• The board of directors retains a professional and receives a written report with replacement measures (equivalent safety measures).
• If necessary, call a meeting (annual general meeting or special meeting) in accordance with the declaration of co-ownership and the Civil Code of Quebec to vote on work modifying the common portions. Put the item on the agenda, circulate the report and keep the minutes.
• Update the maintenance logbook, emergency measures plan and the syndicate’s insurer.

Tip: document all communications with the local authority and contractor, keep test certificates, and archive everything in the syndicate’s records.

Maintenance and testing: responsibilities of the syndicate and board

As long as an RIA remains in place, it must be operational and maintained. The board must ensure:

• Documented periodic inspection, at least annually, by a qualified contractor holding the appropriate RBQ licence.
• More frequent visual checks (accessible cabinet, intact hose, seals and signage) by the person responsible on site.
• Functional tests and pressure testing in accordance with applicable standards and the manufacturer’s instructions.
• A current maintenance register (dates, observations and corrective work), with follow-up on non-compliance issues.

On the administrative side, include these tasks in the preventive maintenance plan, budget inspections as common expenses, plan major replacements through the contingency fund, and report interventions to the board and co-owners (newsletter, annual general meeting minutes). A structured program simplifies reviews by insurers and authorities.

For an overview of operational organization (contracts, registers and corrective-work follow-up), see our Services – Operations Management.

Keep, modernize or remove: a quick comparison

The following table outlines the main considerations to help guide your decision. Every building is unique: start with your professional’s report and the requirements of the local authority.

FAQ – Fire hose reels in condos

• Who pays for RIA maintenance? Common expenses generally cover routine maintenance. A major replacement may be charged to the contingency fund, depending on the nature of the work and the declaration of co-ownership.
• Can an RIA be taken out of service during construction work? Yes, but only temporarily and in a controlled manner: use a mitigation plan, signage and increased monitoring and, ideally, notify and obtain agreement from the fire service. Return it to service and test it as soon as the work is complete.
• Does the absence of an RIA increase insurance premiums? Sometimes. Insurers assess all the measures in place (sprinklers, alarms and compartmentalization). Before any removal project, notify your insurer to avoid a surcharge or restrictive clause.

For more information, visit the multiRent blog for other practical guides on condo operations management.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a lawyer or notary for your situation.

Do you manage a condominium in Quebec? Explore our plans or contact us to assess your needs.

Services – Operations Management · Who we are · Blog

Useful external references:

• Safety Code of Quebec, Building Chapter
• Construction Code of Quebec, Building Chapter
• RBQ – Fire safety systems and equipment
• RGCQ – Resources for condominium syndicates