Smoke Detectors: Mountain View vs Santa Clara
How do smoke detectors rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Santa Clara, CA?
Mountain View and Santa Clara have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
California law requires working smoke alarms in all dwellings, and carbon monoxide alarms in any home with fuel appliances or an attached garage. Mountain View enforces these on sale and at rental turnover.
View full Mountain View rules →Santa Clara, CA
Santa Clara County
California law requires smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of dwellings in Santa Clara. Carbon monoxide alarms are also mandatory.
View full Santa Clara rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Every bedroom | Smoke alarm required | - |
| Every floor | Smoke alarm required | - |
| CO alarms | With fuel appliances or garage | Required with gas appliances or garages |
| Battery standard | 10-year sealed since 2015 | - |
| Rental check | Every tenant turnover | - |
| Where required | - | Every bedroom and level |
| Battery type | - | 10-year sealed or hardwired |
| Landlord duty | - | Test at each tenant turnover |
| Code basis | - | CA H&S 13113.7, 13113.8 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Can a landlord require the tenant to maintain alarms?
The landlord must install and verify alarms; tenants are generally responsible for replacing batteries and testing monthly during tenancy.
Do I need a CO alarm if I have all electric appliances?
Only if you have an attached garage or a fireplace; otherwise an all-electric dwelling may not require a CO alarm.
Santa Clara FAQ
Can I still use 9-volt battery alarms?
Existing 9-volt alarms installed before July 2014 can remain, but any replacement must be a 10-year sealed battery or hardwired unit that is State Fire Marshal listed.
Who pays for alarms in a rental?
California law places responsibility on the landlord to install and maintain smoke and CO alarms; tenants must notify the landlord of deficiencies.
Compare other topics
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