California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 requires smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of all dwellings in Alameda County. Alarms over 10 years old must be replaced, and new installations must be 10-year sealed lithium battery units or hardwired with battery backup.
California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 and Title 19 CCR establish smoke alarm requirements enforced locally by Alameda County building and fire officials (including Alameda County Fire Department serving unincorporated areas). All single-family dwellings, duplexes, and multifamily units must have smoke alarms in every bedroom, in the hallway outside each sleeping area, and on every story including basements. As of July 2015, battery-only alarms sold in California must be 10-year sealed lithium models with a silence button. Alarms over 10 years old must be replaced regardless of function. Point-of-sale and transfer of title require seller certification of compliance. Landlords must test and maintain alarms at tenant move-in; tenants must notify landlord of failures. Carbon monoxide alarms are required under SB 183 in all dwellings with attached garages or fuel-burning appliances.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Alameda County's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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