Cleveland enforces ORC 3781.105 smoke and CO alarm rules. Alarms are required on every level and outside sleeping areas, CO alarms where fuel appliances exist, and landlords must provide them at move-in.
Under Ohio Revised Code 3781.105 and the Ohio Residential Code as adopted locally in Cleveland, every dwelling unit must have working smoke alarms on each level, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom for construction permitted after the 2013 code cycle. Carbon monoxide alarms are required on every level containing a bedroom and in any dwelling with fuel-burning appliances, attached garages, or fireplaces. Alarms installed in new construction or substantial renovations must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected so that all alarms sound when any one triggers; standalone 10-year sealed battery alarms are allowed when replacing units in existing homes. Landlords are responsible under Cleveland Housing Code and Ohio Revised Code 5321.04 for providing working smoke and CO alarms at the start of tenancy and for replacing devices that fail. Tenants are responsible for testing and replacing batteries during the lease term. Cleveland Division of Fire runs a free smoke alarm installation program for owner-occupied homes, typically in partnership with the American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which installs 10-year sealed alarms at no charge. Failure to have working alarms is both a housing code violation and can be cited under the Ohio Fire Code; in rental units, absence of alarms may support an Ohio landlord-tenant rent escrow action by the tenant.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Cleveland's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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