New California Smoke Alarm requirement
Landlords are required to install and maintain smoke detectors. it is no longer the tenant that maintains the units.
the California Building Code requires that a smoke detector must be installed in every bedroom, hallway that leads to a bedroom and in every floor including a basement.
Starting July 1st. 2015 the standard “old” type smoke detectors may not be installed or sold in California. Instead, new smoke detectors with a sealed 10 years battery life are replacing the old units.
The new smoke detectors must contain the following:
1. Manufacturing date of the unit
2. Blank space to write the installation date.
3. Have a silent or hush button
4. have a non removable battery that will last ten years.
Low battery chirp causes tenants to remove the 9v battery and then forgetting to replace it. The new alarms has a non removable battery that lasts 10 years.
Any units that are already installed do not have to be replaced but we highly recommend to install the new units to protect life and your property.
When a building permit is issued for dwelling improvement in access of $1000, the “old” type smoke detectors must be replaced with the “new” ones.
Back in 1973 one smoke alarm was installed in a hallway of a new home. 1988 changed the law to one smoke alarm per floor. 1991, an alarm is installed in every sleeping area.
House fire kills about 8 people a day.
Smoke detector laws have caused to a decline of about 50% in house fire deaths.
