New CA smoke detector laws

New CA smoke detector laws

Investor · Riverside, CA · Member since 2011 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes

The Fed might be shut down, but the local beaurocrats keep coming up with new laws:

As of January 1, 2014, owners are required to ensure that all residential rental units have operable smoke alarms installed at the beginning of each new tenancy. Additionally, owners are required to inspect and maintain the devices in all residential rental units and each smoke alarm installed must be on the State Fire Marshal’s list of approved devices. In order to install, inspect, and maintain the device, owners are permitted to enter the unit during normal business days and hours, provided the give the tenant written notice at least 24 hours in advance. Failure by the owner to comply with any part of the law is an infraction that can result in a fine of $200.00 per violation.

Full article here: http://www.aoausa.com/magazine/?p=1580

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Rental Property Investor · Upstate, NY · Member since 2012 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
12y

The last home we did was $600

CO2 & Smoke are now req'd outside of all bedrooms, basement, first floor etc etc We had to go with FM models to avoid tearing apart walls we had already completed.

@Rob K.

'your Government at work'............ the oxymoron of the year.

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  • Real Estate Broker · San Diego, CA · Member since 2012 · 104 posts · 20 votes
    12y

    Thanks for the link.

  • Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2013 · 555 posts · 261 votes
    12y

    that's ridiculous. Smoke detectors must have a nonremovable battery that can last 10 years.

    I have not seen a 9v battery that has an expiration date as far as 2023.

    This also requires that the 9v battery be soldered in.

  • Rental Property Investor · Upstate, NY · Member since 2012 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    12y
    Originally posted by Mike Franco:
    that's ridiculous. Smoke detectors must have a nonremovable battery that can last 10 years.

    I have not seen a 9v battery that has an expiration date as far as 2023.

    This also requires that the 9v battery be soldered in.

    Even solar powered rechargeable batteries only last about 18months. So I would assume the detector would need to be hardwired (like they are up here) to recharge the 9v & these we are replacing about every 12months as they seem to be cooked'.

  • Investor · Southeast, MI · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    12y

    Just be glad you don't need a permit for smoke detectors. One city near me requires an electrical permit for battery operated smoke detectors. Also, if you're not a licensed master electrician, then you can't pull the permit. The electrician has to. A $6 smoke detector ends up costing a lot more. Your government at work.....

  • Rental Property Investor · Upstate, NY · Member since 2012 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    12y

    The last home we did was $600

    CO2 & Smoke are now req'd outside of all bedrooms, basement, first floor etc etc We had to go with FM models to avoid tearing apart walls we had already completed.

    @Rob K.

    'your Government at work'............ the oxymoron of the year.

  • Mechanicsburg, PA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    @Mike Franco

    The latest in smoke detectors are ones with non-removable lithium batteries that supposedly last 10 years. At the end of the 10 years you throw away the entire smoke detector and install a new one.

    One place here requires that smoke detectors be hard wired AC and interconnected to every detector in the building. Somebody burns a pizza in their oven in unit 5, and all 40 units have their detectors go off.

  • Investor · San Jose, CA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    12y
    Originally posted by David Krulac:

    The latest in smoke detectors are ones with non-removable lithium batteries that supposedly last 10 years.

    Apparently some politician got paid from the lithium battery and smoke detector companies to make this into law. Arghhhhh......

  • Rental Property Investor · Upstate, NY · Member since 2012 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    12y

    & Lithium Ion batteries are apt to catch fire.... in laptops & now the Tesla auto.

  • Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2013 · 555 posts · 261 votes
    12y

    nah. lithium batteries are pretty stable in low voltage applications like smoke detectors.

    laptops are high draw, and that Tesla apparently hit something.

    I look forward to seeing how much this costs. My current smoke alarms cost $4 each at home depot.

  • Mechanicsburg, PA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    12y

    @Mike Franco

    Sorry, $15 to $50 each good for 10 years then throw away.

    One town requires one in every room and one on each floor including basement and attic, so our 5 room house has 8 smoke detectors.

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