What are the laws and best practices regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
Smoke Detectors CA Building Code Section 310.9.1
All residences must have a smoke alarm:
- In every bedroom.
- Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.
- On each level of home, including basement.
- Smoke detectors must be approved by State Fire Marshal.
- Rental owners should follow manufacturers placement instructions.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors/Smoke Detectors
CA Health & Safety Code 13261 et seq.
- Carbon monoxide (CO) devices must be installed outside each sleeping area of the home including basement.
- Carbon monoxide detectors are not required in each bedroom.
- For maximum protection against CO gas, it is recommended that a CO device be installed in each sleeping room.
- CO detectors must be approved by the State Fire Marshal.
- Owners should follow manufacturer’s placement instructions.
Entering Units to Test Smoke & CO Detectors
CA Health & Safety Code 13261 et seq.
- California Health & Safety code allows rental owners to enter units to test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Owners should follow 24 hours advance written notice procedure to enter.
- EBRHA recommends testing smoke and CO detectors twice a year.
- Owners can address any lease violations encountered during smoke/CO detector inspection, but the owner should not inspect private areas in the unit.
- Owners should include Smoke Detector Addendum and CO Detector Addendum to inform resident of responsibilities.