Kokomo, IN Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Section 160.27(F) governs fire protection systems for rental units, and subsection (5) states that smoke detectors "shall be required in all rental units," subject to the exceptions and conditions stated in the chapter. Subsection (6) requires that the type, placement and maintenance of those detectors conform to IC 22-11-18-1 et seq., Indiana's smoke detector statute, as it may be amended. The same section requires fire alarms and detecting systems to be maintained and suitable for their purpose, sprinkler heads kept clean and undamaged, and standpipe hose stations identified, accessible and ready for use.

Section 160.27(C) separately requires every rental unit to have a safe, continuous, unobstructed means of egress directly to the outside or a public corridor, with doors in that path readily openable from the inside without a key. The landlord, as the "owner of the structure" under Section 160.27(B), must provide and maintain this equipment, and a person may not let a unit that fails to comply. The Rental Housing Officer enforces these fire safety requirements during rental inspections under Section 160.05 and can order corrections or an emergency vacate under Section 160.08 where a missing or dead smoke detector creates an imminent danger.