North Carolina requires operable smoke alarms in all rental homes and in new construction under the state Fire and Building Codes. Landlords must install and maintain them; since 2013 rentals need tamper-resistant 10-year sealed-battery alarms unless hardwired.
Smoke-alarm rules in Buncombe County come from state law, not a separate county ordinance. NCGS 42-42 requires landlords to provide operable smoke alarms (UL-listed), install them per NFPA or manufacturer standards, and ensure they work at the start of each tenancy. Since December 31, 2012, replacements in rentals must be tamper-resistant 10-year lithium-battery alarms unless the unit has hardwired or combination CO alarms. The NC Residential Building Code additionally requires smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of new and substantially renovated homes. Tenants must replace batteries as needed during the tenancy.
If a landlord fails to install or repair a smoke alarm within 30 days of written notice, the landlord is subject to a fine of not more than $250 per violation under NCGS 42-42.
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See how Buncombe County's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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