Dallas, TX Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Required Locations
- Every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, every level
- State Law
- TX Health & Safety Code Ch. 766
- Landlord Duty
- TX Property Code §92.255
- Battery Type
- 10-year sealed lithium preferred
Summary
Dallas adopts the 2021 International Residential Code and International Fire Code requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 766 mandates smoke detectors in all residential dwellings.
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.(b) If a dwelling unit was occupied as a residence before September 1, 2011, or a certificate of occupancy was issued for the dwelling unit before that date, a smoke alarm installed in accordance with Subsection (a) may be powered by battery ...
Full Breakdown
Dallas requires smoke detectors per the 2021 International Residential Code with Dallas Amendments (Ordinance 33099) and the 2021 International Fire Code (Chapter 16). Smoke alarms are required in each bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics. Landlords must install at least one smoke detector outside each bedroom under Texas Property Code Section 92.255. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 766 mandates smoke detectors in all one-family and two-family dwellings. Dallas fire marshals expect 10-year sealed lithium batteries in battery-powered applications. Both ionization and photoelectric types are accepted; combination alarms are recommended.
Violations & Fines
Landlords failing to install smoke detectors may face liability under Texas Property Code. Building code violations may result in failed inspections and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do smoke detectors need to be in Dallas homes?
Are landlords required to provide smoke detectors in Dallas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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Smoke Detectors in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle smoke detectors.