Smoke alarms are required in all Chesterfield homes under Virginia's building and fire codes: in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level including basements. Landlords must certify annually, on request, that alarms are installed and working.
Chesterfield enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and Statewide Fire Prevention Code, which require working smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level including basements. Fire-protection devices must be maintained in an operable condition at all times. In rental housing, landlords must install alarms and, on a tenant's written request, certify annually that smoke alarms are installed and in good working order. Tenants are responsible for testing alarms and reporting failures. Replace batteries regularly and replace alarms per manufacturer instructions.
Failing to maintain required smoke alarms violates the Statewide Fire Prevention Code and, for rentals, the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, exposing owners to code-enforcement penalties.
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