Snohomish County, WA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Required in
- All dwelling units
- Install duty
- Property owner
- Maintain/batteries
- Tenant
- At sale (post 7/1/2019)
- At least one working alarm
- Max fine
- $200; $5,000 after a fire
Summary
Washington law requires smoke detection devices inside all dwelling units. Owners must install them; tenants must maintain them and replace batteries. Any dwelling sold on or after July 1, 2019 must have at least one working smoke alarm before a buyer occupies it.
(1) Smoke detection devices shall be installed inside all dwelling units: (a) Occupied by persons other than the owner on and after December 31, 1981; (b) Built or manufactured in this state after December 31, 1980; or (c) Sold on or after July 1, 2019.
Full Breakdown
Under RCW 43.44.110, smoke detection devices must be installed inside all dwelling units occupied by non-owners since 1981, built after 1980, or sold on or after July 1, 2019. Installation is the owner's responsibility; the tenant maintains the device, including batteries, and the owner must confirm it works before re-occupancy after a vacancy. For homes sold on/after July 1, 2019 lacking a device, the seller must provide at least one before the buyer moves in. Devices must meet nationally accepted standards and State Fire Marshal rules. This state law applies throughout Snohomish County, including the unincorporated area, where the County Fire Marshal enforces it.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply is a fine up to $200; if a fire then causes property damage, injury, or death to a tenant or household member, the owner faces a $5,000 fine, enforced by the county fire marshal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for smoke alarm batteries in a rental?
Does a home have to have a smoke alarm when sold?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Snohomish County
Compare Snohomish County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.