Boise requires working smoke alarms in every sleeping area, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of all dwellings. Rental units must have hardwired or 10-year sealed battery alarms. Landlords must test at turnover.
Under the Idaho Residential Code Section R314 adopted by Boise, smoke alarms are required inside each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on each story including basements. New construction and substantial remodels require hardwired interconnected alarms with battery backup. Existing homes may use 10-year sealed lithium battery alarms. Boise Fire inspects rental properties on complaint and at change of occupancy. Carbon monoxide alarms are also required outside sleeping areas in homes with gas appliances, fuel-fired fireplaces, or attached garages.
Missing or disabled alarms: $100 per unit first offense, rising to $500 and potential rental license suspension for repeat violations.
See how Boise's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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