Austin follows the International Fire Code and Texas Property Code §92.251-.262 requiring working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, hallway, and each story of a dwelling. Rental properties must have alarms tested at move-in, and interconnected 10-year sealed-battery alarms are required in new construction.
Austin Fire Code (adopted from the 2021 International Fire Code with local amendments under Chapter 25-12) requires smoke alarms in: (1) each bedroom, (2) outside each sleeping area, (3) on every story including basements. New construction and substantial remodels require alarms to be hardwired, interconnected, and equipped with battery backup; bedrooms and adjacent halls also need combination smoke/carbon-monoxide alarms. Texas Property Code §92.251-.262 obligates landlords to install and maintain smoke alarms and to test at tenant move-in. Tenants can request written inspection and repair; landlord failure to correct within 7 days can trigger tenant remedies including $100 + one month's rent damages. Austin Fire offers free smoke alarm installation for income-qualified residents (512-974-0150). Hearing-impaired tenants are entitled to visual/strobe alarms at landlord expense under ADA. Disabling or failing to maintain alarms is a Class C misdemeanor, and in fatal fires can support criminal negligence charges. 10-year sealed-battery alarms are recommended since hush-button 9V alarms are frequently disabled.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Austin code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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