Does the lanlord need to change smoke detector batteries

Question

Hello,

By law does landlord need to change smoke detectors batteries or it's the tenant job. The only job of the landlord is to have smoke detectors installed?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Check your state and local laws. I require tenants to replace consumables, which includes batteries, light bulbs, air and water filters, etc. I also send a reminder to my tenants twice a year asking them to test the smoke detectors and CO2 detectors.

In my town our fire department teams up with Dominos pizza. If you order a pizza, it will be delivered by a fireman and they will replace all the batteries and test the alarm system for free. I notify all my tenants and encourage them to take advantage of that.

Alex Smith · Answer

We also conduct what we call "filter and battery inspections" once per quarter. It's also in our lease that the tenant changes the air filters, but we also use it as a way to keep owners updated on the condition of the house.

Andrew B. · Answer

@Nathan G. What a great way to lower labor costs! Maybe we can get police officers to pick up supplies from Home Depot and do crime inspections when they drop it off?

Kyle J. · Answer

@Horacio Gutierrez  If the rental is in your state (California), the law actually changed a few years ago and you actually need to install State Fire Marshall approved smoke detectors with 10-year batteries (non-changeable) in all the bedrooms, hallways outside the bedrooms, and on each level of the home.

Here's a link to some more info: https://sdinspect.com/health-and-safety/smoke-detector-requirements-2/

Alex Smith · Answer

We also conduct what we call "filter and battery inspections" once per quarter. It's also in our lease that the tenant changes the air filters, but we also use it as a way to keep owners updated on the condition of the house.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I like Patrick's idea of using it as an option to inspect the place.

I have smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in my units.  The lease specifies it is the tenant's responsibility to change the batteries a minimum of every 6 months and ensure they are in working order.

Patrick M. · Answer

I use it as one of a couple ways to inspect the units - smoke detector batteries every 6 months.

That being said- NJ has just changed it’s code and we are to use 10 year sealed batteries going forward & with new tenancies. (Where not hardwired)

Hubert Kim · Answer

In California, it is usually standard to have specific language regarding smoke detectors due to recent legislation requiring property owners of any rental to install, maintain and test smoke alarms.

Basically, smoke detectors must be operational when a tenancy is created. Then, it is generally the tenant's responsibility to notify the the property owner if a smoke detector is not functional. In this process, the owner will check the device and replace batteries (or the device) if necessary. Annual inspections of the property can also be a good opportunity to check smoke detectors as well. Hope that helps!

Does the lanlord need to change smoke detector batteries

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