Tenant removed smoke detector

[Samantha Klein]

I went to my unit to work today while the tenant was at work. I noticed the smoke / Carbon monoxide detector had the batteries pulled. I texted him and he said it keeps going off when he cooks and even when he puts something in the oven. What suggestions would you offer? This is a small 500-600sq ft 1 bedroom apartment.

[Johnny Hastings]

I have a 12 unit in Mosinee WI, and this happens all the time! What's happening with renters here?! 

When anyone moves in, I have them sign a smoke detector notice. It effectively says that they'll be responsible for keeping it functional, and that if they don't want to or can't deal with it, that they will let me know so I can keep it functional. That typically means putting a new battery in it, versus taking it down and throwing it in a drawer. I'm not sure if that provides me any legal protection, but at least it shows that I tried to make them aware of it, and of its necessity.

I'd say that about half the time, when a tenant vacates, the smoke detector is gone (sitting in a drawer or on the fridge with no battery). It feels unsettling to me as well, and I haven't found a good solution to this. Whenever I'm in any unit for any reason, I make sure there's one present and functional. 

When I catch anyone without one, or they vacate and I ask where it is, it's always that same excuse: 'It always goes off when we're cooking.' 

I'd like to find a good solution this as well, though thus far other than paying attention to things when I'm in the units (which honestly isn't that often), I don't know what to do. I noticed at the store the other day that they sold some labeled to indicate that they won't have false (aka cooking) alarms. I am going to try one of those next time I have this issue, but right now can't say whether they'll do the job better or not.