Grapevine requires working smoke detectors in all dwellings under the International Residential Code and TX Property Code 92. Rentals must have detectors in every sleeping area and on every floor. Landlords must install and test.
Grapevine requires functional smoke alarms in all residential dwellings under the International Residential Code adopted by the city and TX Property Code Chapter 92 (Residential Tenancies). Smoke alarms must be installed inside each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on every level of the dwelling including basements. New construction and substantial renovations require hard-wired, interconnected alarms with battery backup; older homes may continue with battery-only alarms as long as they work. Landlords have ongoing obligations under TX Property Code 92.253 to install alarms, test them between tenants, and replace them upon tenant request or failure. Tenants are responsible for changing batteries during tenancy (unless the lease specifies otherwise) and for notifying the landlord of failures. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in dwellings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages. Grapevine Fire Department offers free smoke alarm inspection and installation for eligible residents through community risk reduction programs. Violations of the rental alarm rules allow tenants to compel installation via TX Property Code procedures and can result in city citations. Recent changes to Texas law have strengthened landlord obligations.
Class C misdemeanor; up to 500 dollars per day. TX Property Code 92 provides tenant remedies including lease termination for unremedied violations.
See how other cities in Tarrant County handle smoke detectors.
See how Grapevine's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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