Hampton, VA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Dwellings, hotels, motels, dormitories, rooming houses
- Standard
- NFPA-74, as amended
- Landlord duty
- Annual detector certification to tenants
- Repair deadline
- 5 days after written notice
- Penalty
- Class 1 misdemeanor
Summary
Hampton requires owners to install smoke detectors, built to NFPA-74 standards, in every dwelling unit, hotel, motel, dormitory and rooming house in the city: landlords must also certify units annually to tenants.
It is hereby required that smoke detectors shall be installed by the owners in the following structures or buildings: (1) Any building containing one (1) or more dwelling units; (2) Any hotel, motel or dormitory regularly used, offered for, or intended to be used to provide overnight sleeping accommodations for one (1) or more persons; and (3) Rooming houses regularly used, offered for, or intended to be used to provide overnight sleeping accommodations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31 | Zoning: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
Hampton's fire code requires owners to install smoke detectors in any building with one or more dwelling units, plus hotels, motels, dormitories and rooming houses used for overnight stays. Installation must follow NFPA-74 as amended, and either battery-powered or AC-powered units are acceptable for residential use groups. Landlords must give each tenant a certification, at the start of tenancy and at least annually after, that the required detectors are present, inspected and working; interim testing and upkeep is the tenant's job, but owners must repair a reported malfunction within five days of written notice.
Violations & Fines
Failing to install, maintain or certify required smoke detectors is a Class 1 misdemeanor under § 14-66: up to $2,500 and 12 months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hampton require smoke detectors in rental units?
Who fixes a broken smoke detector in a Hampton rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hampton
Compare Hampton to another location·View the Virginia fire regulations overview
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