Ada County, ID Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- Idaho Code 44-2503
- Placement
- Near each bedroom + living area
- Rental duty
- Landlord installs, tenant maintains
- New builds
- Idaho Residential Code alarms
- Mount height
- 4-12 in. below ceiling
Summary
Idaho law requires a smoke detector on a wall in a hallway or space communicating with each bedroom area and the living area. Landlords must verify detectors are installed and working at the start of a rental; tenants must maintain them during the tenancy.
A smoke detector (which may be a single station alarm device) shall be installed on any wall in a hallway or space communicating with each bedroom area and the living area on the living area side... the top of the detector shall be located on a wall four (4) inches to twelve (12) inches below the ceiling.
Full Breakdown
Idaho Code 44-2503 sets the statewide installation rule: a smoke detector (which may be a single-station alarm) must be installed on any wall in a hallway or space communicating with each bedroom area and the living area, with the top of the detector 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling. For rentals, Idaho Code 6-320 requires the landlord to verify detectors are installed and in good working order when the lease begins, and the tenant to maintain them during the rental period. New construction in Ada County follows the adopted Idaho Residential Code, which requires interconnected alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level.
Violations & Fines
Failure to install approved smoke detectors in a landlord-controlled dwelling is a breach of Idaho rental law and can support a tenant habitability claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for smoke detectors in a rental?
Where must smoke detectors be installed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ada County
Compare Ada County to another location·View the Idaho fire regulations overview
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