Smoke Alarm Regulations for Rental Properties

Smoke alarms are an essential safety device to protect your tenants and property.

Are smoke alarms required in rental properties?

Massachusetts requires smoke alarms in rental properties, both in common areas and all dwelling units. 

Who is responsible for changing a smoke alarm in an apartment?

Landlords are responsible for smoke alarms in rental properties, but may require the tenant to do basic maintenance (such as changing batteries and testing) if it’s written into the rental agreement. 

How should landlords test smoke alarms?

The state recommends testing smoke alarms once a month (landlords are required to give 24 hours notice before testing). Alarms must also be replaced every ten years.

Massachusetts state regulations for smoke alarms

Smoke alarm regulations are covered in the state fire code. Here are some highlights:

• Smoke alarms/detectors installed shall require photoelectric technology

• Smoke alarms/detectors shall be placed:

  • on every habitable level

  • on the basement level

  • on the ceiling of each stairway leading to the floor above, but not within the stairway, at the base of each stairway, including stairways to an unfinished/unheated basement/cellar

  • on ceiling outside of each separate sleeping area.

• Smoke alarms/detectors shall be placed in common areas on the ceiling.

• Heat alarms/detectors required by Section 13.7.4.3 shall be placed:

  • in open porches with stairs on the ceiling

  • in common areas on the ceiling.

• Non-interconnected smoke alarms/detectors shall be permitted to be within the dwelling unit.

• Smoke/Heat alarms/detectors shall be interconnected in common areas and in basements.

Be sure to study the full code to ensure full compliance.