Brentwood, CA Building Safety: Smoke Alarms (2026)

California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 requires smoke alarms in every single-family dwelling that is rented or sold, and Section 13113.8 requires sellers to certify compliance at sale. The California Residential Code R314 and California Building Code 907 establish current placement standards: smoke alarms are required inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each additional story of the dwelling including basements. In new construction and when substantial alterations or additions requiring a permit are made, alarms must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so that activation of one triggers all alarms in the unit. For existing dwellings where alterations do not involve removal of wall or ceiling finishes, battery-only alarms remain acceptable. Since July 1, 2015, all battery-only smoke alarms sold in California must have a non-removable, non-replaceable battery that powers the alarm for at least 10 years, and must display the date of manufacture, provide a low-battery hush feature, and be compatible with testing by the homeowner (HSC 13114). Combination smoke/CO alarms must meet both smoke and CO standards. Alarms must be replaced at the manufacturer's recommended interval, generally 10 years from date of manufacture. Landlords are responsible for testing alarms at the beginning of each tenancy and maintaining them during the tenancy unless the tenant fails to notify of a defect (HSC 17926 for CO and 13113.7 for smoke). Brentwood enforces these requirements through the Building Division at permit inspection and through Code Enforcement in response to complaints. Failure to maintain working alarms can result in administrative citations and civil liability if a fire occurs.