Smoke Detectors: Glendale vs Tempe
How do smoke detectors rules compare between Glendale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Glendale and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Glendale, AZ
Maricopa County
Smoke detector requirements in Glendale come from Arizona Revised Statutes Section 36-1637 (state law) and the International Residential Code as adopted under Glendale City Code Chapter 9 (Buildings and Building Regulations). An approved smoke detector must be installed during construction in every new residential housing unit and during permitted remodeling of any sleeping area in an existing unit.
View full Glendale rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe Rental Housing Code requires smoke detectors in all rental units, installed per the currently adopted building code (IRC R314 / IBC 907). Wall-mounted alarms must be 4-12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling units at least 4 inches from any wall. Owners must install, replace batteries annually, keep records, and verify operation between tenancies. Statewide A.R.S. § 36-1637 governs landlord/tenant duties.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Glendale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| State Statute | ARS 36-1637 | - |
| Local Adopting Code | Glendale Ch. 9 (IRC/IBC) | - |
| Required Locations | Each bedroom + outside sleeping areas + each story | Each bedroom, hall, every story |
| Tenant Duty | Maintain and notify of malfunction | - |
| Landlord Duty | Repair after written notice | - |
| Code Reference | - | Tempe Rental Housing Code |
| Building Standard | - | IRC R314 / IBC 907 |
| Wall Placement | - | 4–12 in. from ceiling |
| Battery | - | Replace annually; owner duty |
| Statewide Rule | - | A.R.S. § 36-1637 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Glendale FAQ
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.
Tempe FAQ
Where do smoke alarms have to be installed in a Tempe rental home?
Under Tempe's Rental Housing Code, which adopts IRC Section R314 and IBC 907, smoke alarms are required inside every bedroom, in the hallway or area immediately outside each sleeping area, and on every story including basements and habitable attics. Wall-mounted alarms must sit 4–12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling units at least 4 inches from any wall. The owner must install, maintain, and verify operation before each new tenancy.
Who is responsible for smoke detectors in a Tempe rental — landlord or tenant?
Both. Under Tempe's Rental Housing Code, the owner is responsible for installation, replacing batteries annually if battery-operated, keeping records, and verifying all detectors are operational before re-occupancy. Under A.R.S. § 36-1637, the tenant must maintain and test the detector during occupancy and give written notice of any malfunction; the landlord must then repair it. Reach Tempe Code Compliance at 480-350-8372.
Compare other topics
See how Glendale and Tempe compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool