Be sure your rental units are in compliance with the current
smoke detector and carbon monoxide (CO) laws.
California Health and Safety Code 13113.7(3) states:
On or before January 1, 2016 the owner of a dwelling unit intended for
human occupancy, in which one or more units are rented or leased, shall install
additional smoke alarms, as needed, to ensure that smoke alarms are located in
compliance with current building standards.
Where are smoke detectors required?
- Every sleeping room
- In the vicinity outside of every sleeping room
- At least one on each floor of the home
Also note that smoke detectors installed or replaced after July 1,
2015, that are solely powered by batteries, must contain a sealed battery that
is rated to last at least 10 years.
It is not clear as to when previously installed, functioning smoke detectors with removable batteries must be replaced. I recommend you replace them with the sealed
battery types as soon as possible in order to avoid any liability.
Also note, as of
January 1, 2014, landlords cannot make the tenant responsible for testing or
maintaining the smoke alarms. It is the landlord’s responsibility. This recent law change does not mandate
the frequency of owner inspections. However, landlords have a duty to inspect
the premises upon entry for any purpose. Inspections need not be thorough, but
landlords are liable for any dangerous condition that is observable by a
reasonable person. Thus, if a smoke alarm defect can be reasonably ascertained
visually during a landlord’s visit to the unit, the landlord needs to repair or
replace the device.
Where are carbon monoxide (CO) detectors
required?
CO
detectors shall be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in
the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and at least one on each level of the
home. The detector shall be located on
the wall, ceiling or other location as specified in the installation
instructions that accompany the unit.
