Buffalo requires working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in every dwelling unit. State law (Amandas Law) mandates CO detectors near sleeping areas, and since April 2019 all new and replacement smoke alarms must be 10-year sealed-battery models.
The NY Uniform Code and NYS Executive Law Section 378 require interconnected smoke alarms on every level and inside and outside each sleeping area. Amandas Law (2010) adds carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of every sleeping area in any dwelling with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. Since April 1, 2019 (GBL Section 399-ccc) all newly sold or installed battery-powered smoke alarms must use a 10-year sealed non-removable lithium battery. This matters for Buffalo aging housing stock (much of it pre-1940) where older hardwired systems and single-station alarms are common. Landlords must test and maintain alarms between tenancies; tenants must not disable them. Buffalo Fire conducts free home inspections on request.
Missing or disabled alarms in a rental are a Certificate of Occupancy violation. Fines start at 250 dollars per missing alarm and escalate; fatal fires with missing alarms can trigger criminal negligence charges.
See how Buffalo's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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