Smoke Detectors: White Plains vs Yonkers

Where do I have to install smoke alarms in a White Plains home?

Under the New York State Property Maintenance Code (19 NYCRR Part 1225) Section 704, single- or multiple-station smoke alarms must be placed inside every room used for sleeping, on the ceiling or wall just outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on every story of the dwelling unit including habitable basements; crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics are excluded. White Plains enforces these placement rules through its Department of Building during Rental Housing License inspections.

Are White Plains landlords responsible for smoke detectors in rentals?

Yes. New York Executive Law Section 378(5) and 19 NYCRR Part 1225 require owners of non-owner-occupied one- and two-family homes and all multiple dwellings to provide and maintain at least one operational smoke alarm and one carbon monoxide alarm in each dwelling unit. White Plains verifies this during Sec. 4-28-10 inspections, and licenses will not be issued or renewed under Sec. 4-28-9 until any deficiencies are corrected.

Where do I need smoke alarms in my Yonkers home?

You need a smoke alarm inside each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every story of the dwelling including the basement, per 19 NYCRR Part 1225.

Do I need hardwired or battery alarms?

New construction and substantial renovations require hardwired, interconnected alarms with battery backup. Existing one- and two-family homes may use battery alarms, but any new battery alarm sold in NY since April 2019 must have a sealed, non-removable 10-year battery.

Are landlords or tenants responsible for smoke alarms?

Landlords must install working alarms before occupancy. Tenants are responsible for ongoing testing and battery replacement (where removable) and must report any failure to the landlord promptly.