Clark County, WA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- RCW 43.44.110
- Install responsibility
- Property owner
- Maintenance / batteries
- Tenant
- Placement
- Every bedroom + each level
- Base fine
- Up to $200
Summary
Washington law (RCW 43.44.110) requires smoke detection devices in all dwelling units. The owner is responsible for installation; tenants maintain them, including batteries. Alarms are required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on each level. Carbon-monoxide alarms are also required.
Installation of smoke detection devices shall be the responsibility of the owner. Maintenance of smoke detection devices, including the replacement of batteries where required for the proper operation of the smoke detection device, shall be the responsibility of the tenant. Any owner, seller, or tenant failing to comply with this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars.
Full Breakdown
Clark County follows Washington's statewide requirement rather than a separate county rule. Under RCW 43.44.110, smoke detection devices must be installed inside all dwelling units, designed and installed per standards set by the state fire marshal. Installation is the owner's responsibility; maintenance, including battery replacement, is the tenant's. Rental units must have working alarms at move-in. The state residential building code (adopting the IRC via RCW 19.27) requires alarms in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. Carbon-monoxide alarms are separately required in residences under RCW 19.27.530.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply is punishable by a fine of not more than $200; where an owner's failure results in fire injury or damage, the penalty rises to $5,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for smoke alarm batteries in a rental?
Are carbon-monoxide alarms required too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clark County
Compare Clark County to another location·View the Washington fire regulations overview
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