Smoke detectors are required in all Fort Wayne dwellings under Indiana Residential Code 675 IAC 14: every bedroom, hallway, and floor. Landlords must provide working units at move-in.
The Indiana Residential Code 675 IAC 14, adopted statewide, requires smoke detectors in every sleeping room, in the hallway immediately outside sleeping areas, and on each story of a residence including basements. New construction and substantial renovations require interconnected hardwired detectors with battery backup. Existing homes may use battery-only detectors but must still meet placement rules. Carbon monoxide detectors are required where fuel-burning appliances or attached garages exist. Indiana Code 32-31-5-7 obligates landlords to supply operational smoke alarms at tenant move-in; tenants are responsible for maintenance and battery replacement during occupancy. The Fort Wayne Fire Department runs a free smoke-alarm installation program for qualifying residents. Failure to provide alarms in rental units can trigger housing code enforcement action.
Landlord failure to provide smoke alarms is a code violation and may expose the owner to civil liability. Tampering or removing detectors is an offense under IC 22-11-18-3.5.
See how Fort Wayne's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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