Converse follows Texas state law and the International Residential Code requiring working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on each floor of dwellings. Rentals carry landlord duties.
Texas Property Code Chapter 92 Subchapter F requires landlords to install and maintain smoke alarms in every rental dwelling. The 2021 International Residential Code adopted by Converse requires smoke alarms inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each additional story including basements. New construction and substantial remodels must use interconnected, hard-wired alarms with battery backup so all units sound together when one detects smoke. Replace alarms every 10 years and test monthly. Carbon monoxide alarms are required near sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages under the IRC. Tenants can request installation or repair in writing, and landlords have 7 days to comply under state law. Disabling or removing alarms in rentals is a code violation.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Bexar County handle smoke detectors.
See how Converse's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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