01-12-14 Smoke Detectors with Dead Batteries
Low income tenants do not put batteries in smoke detectors. It drives me crazy.
This week we did a maintenance inspection. In the letter that goes out to schedule it, we state that this is not a housekeeping inspection, but we will be inspecting the smoke detectors, so they have fair warning that we’ll be looking at them. When new tenants move in we stress how important working smoke detectors are – for their safety, for their belongings, and for our property. This week one out of six detectors were working. Last month at a maintenance inspection, one detector was even beeping. When we came back for re-inspection (we couldn’t get access to all rooms, a red flag in my book), it was still beeping. And we had given her new batteries!
The rental agreement language provided by WLA (Washington Landlord Association) states: Tenant is responsible to maintain the devices in working order; tenant failure to comply includes a $200 fine per RCW 43.44.110(4). If any device is later found inoperable, landlord may charge tenant a $50 compliance fee/each.
I have been very hesitant to add such fines to our agreements, since the low income don’t have the money, but after seeing so many non compliant detectors and knowing they will still be non compliant next time we visit, I plan to add a fine for the third offense. Three strikes, money due.
As part of the adopt-a-block program in the low income neighborhood, we are starting a 9 volt battery drive so we can go door to door distributing batteries in conjunction with March daylight saving time change.
Comments (7)
I was at a house once, with detectors beeping. The Fire Dept actually was going door to door and knocked, offering smoke detectors and batteries. T said they were fine. I ran out and had the FD come back in and change them.. how foolish. Another FYI - I think many, if not all smoke detectors have a life of 10 years and need to be changed at the end of the 10 yr period - this makes the ones with the 10 year battery that much more appealing.
Ed O., over 10 years ago
Nice tip all. I'm now going to do a battery swap out in Feb
Al Williamson, over 10 years ago
As a follow-on to Dawn Anastasi and @Chris M., we use hardwired detectors (required by insurance company & by code on new builds and major renovations) with battery backup. These are also now available with a 10-yr battery.
Roy N., over 10 years ago
BTW: If you are not using sealed/tamperproof 10-year units, you can now get a 10-year warrantee battery that will fit in your regular unit: http://www.amazon.ca/Ultralife-Long-Life-9V-Lithium-Battery/dp/B005EJMTC4/ref=pd_sim_ce_3
Roy N., over 10 years ago
Thanks for the tips, Roy!
Michele Fischer, over 10 years ago
I was just going to say before I read Chris' comment -- get rid of those cheap $4 battery operated smoke detectors and buying batteries for your tenants and get the 10-year ones. I have started replacing all mine with those and for new properties they automatically get them. Yes they're a little more expensive but no more beeping detectors!
Dawn Anastasi, over 10 years ago
Have you considered those 10 year sealed detectors on the market today? I have a building that does not have any hardwired detectors and all the existing ones had their batteries removed or were inoperable. I replaced all of them with the sealed ones and in my maintenance inspection we visually verify that it has not been tampered with or disabled.
Chris M., over 10 years ago