Smoke Detectors: Live Oak vs San Antonio
How do smoke detectors rules compare between Live Oak, TX and San Antonio, TX?
Live Oak and San Antonio have similar restriction levels.
Live Oak, TX
Bexar County
Live Oak enforces International Fire Code and International Residential Code smoke alarm rules. Working alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, and on every story including basements.
View full Live Oak rules →San Antonio, TX
Bexar County
Smoke detector rules in Bexar County come from the IRC as adopted locally plus TX Property Code 92.251 for rentals. Bexar adopts IRC for new construction; landlords must install and maintain detectors.
View full San Antonio rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Live Oak | San Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Building Code | IRC R314 / IFC 907.2.11 | - |
| Required Locations | Each sleeping room, outside sleeping areas, each story | - |
| New Construction | Hardwired + interconnected + battery backup | - |
| Rental Law | TX Property Code 92.251-92.260 | - |
| Tenant Remedy | Repair within 7 days of written notice | - |
| Code basis | - | IRC R314 and R315 |
| New construction | - | Hardwired interconnected with battery backup |
| Rental law | - | TX Property Code 92.251 |
| CO alarm trigger | - | Fuel-burning appliance or attached garage |
| STR in San Antonio | - | Required as permit condition |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Live Oak FAQ
How many smoke alarms does my Live Oak home need?
At minimum one inside each sleeping room, one outside each sleeping area, and one on each story including basements. Larger homes need more.
What are my rights as a Live Oak tenant with a broken smoke alarm?
Under Texas Property Code, notify your landlord in writing. If they fail to repair within 7 days, you may exercise statutory remedies including repair-and-deduct.
San Antonio FAQ
Does my 1990s home in unincorporated Bexar County need hardwired detectors?
Not retroactively. Battery-only detectors in existing homes are permitted. Hardwired interconnected detectors are required only with new construction or significant remodel.
My landlord refused to fix a broken detector. What can I do?
Give written notice citing Property Code 92.252. After 7 days without repair, you may install and deduct, terminate the lease, or sue for one month rent plus $500 and damages.
Are CO detectors required in all homes?
Only when the home has a fuel-burning appliance (gas furnace, water heater, fireplace) or an attached garage. All-electric homes with no attached garage are exempt from IRC R315.
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