Smoke Detectors: Glendale vs Goodyear

Where do I have to put smoke detectors in a Glendale home?

Under the International Residential Code adopted in Glendale Code Chapter 9, alarms must be inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each additional story including any basement. New construction and substantial remodels also require interconnection and primary AC power with battery backup. ARS 36-1637 sets the underlying state requirement.

Who is responsible for the smoke detector in a Glendale rental, the tenant or the landlord?

ARS 36-1637 places day-to-day maintenance and battery replacement on the tenant once the alarm is installed. If a tenant gives the landlord written notice that an alarm is malfunctioning, the landlord becomes responsible for the repair. Landlords must also give written notice to tenants at move-in describing these maintenance duties.

Does unincorporated Maricopa County require smoke detectors in homes?

Yes. Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-1637 requires an approved smoke detector in each new residential housing unit during construction, and in any existing unit where a sleeping area is remodeled under permit. The Maricopa County Planning & Development Department enforces this through building permits and the adopted International Residential Code, which adds placement and power-source requirements under Section R314.

Who is responsible for maintaining smoke detectors in a Maricopa County rental?

Section 36-1637 places the duty on the tenant to maintain and keep the smoke detector operable. Once the tenant provides the landlord with written notice of a malfunction, the landlord is responsible for the repair. The landlord must also give the tenant written notice of the tenant's responsibilities under the statute.

Where do smoke alarms have to be installed in a new home in unincorporated Maricopa County?

Maricopa County enforces the International Residential Code Section R314 as part of its adopted building codes. R314 requires smoke alarms inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on every story of the dwelling, including basements. New construction units must be hard-wired with battery backup and interconnected so all alarms sound when one is triggered.