Tarrant County, TX Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- TX Property Code 92.251
- Bedroom Alarms
- Required
- Landlord Duty
- 7 days to respond
- CO Alarms
- Recommended
Summary
Smoke detectors are required under the adopted International Residential Code and TX Property Code 92.251 for rentals. Landlords must install and maintain alarms in every bedroom and on each floor.
Sec. 92.255. INSTALLATION AND LOCATION. (a) A landlord shall install at least one smoke alarm in each separate bedroom in a dwelling unit. In addition: (1) if the dwelling unit is designed to use a single room for dining, living, and sleeping, the smoke alarm must be located inside the room; (2) if multiple bedrooms are served by the same corridor, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the corridor in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms; and (3) if the dwelling unit has multiple levels, at least one smoke alarm must be located on each level.
Full Breakdown
Tarrant County residential construction follows state-adopted International Residential Code standards for smoke alarm placement, requiring hardwired interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of a dwelling. For rental units, Texas Property Code 92.251 through 92.262 imposes a parallel duty on landlords to install, inspect, and maintain smoke alarms on each floor and in each bedroom. Tenants may request installation or repair in writing, and landlords have seven days to act. Failure can support a tenant suit for one month of rent plus $100, court costs, and attorney fees. Carbon monoxide alarms are not mandated by state law for all dwellings but are strongly recommended for homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Cities within Tarrant County enforce building codes at the municipal level.
Violations & Fines
Landlord smoke alarm failures under TX Property Code 92.260: civil penalty of one months rent plus $100 plus fees. Building code violations: enforced through permit and inspection process in cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a smoke alarm in every bedroom?
What if my landlord will not install smoke alarms?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tarrant County to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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