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.
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.
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.
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