Leander, TX Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Leander does not publish a separate municipal smoke-detector ordinance, relying instead on adopted building and fire codes plus statewide statutes. The city has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code (with local amendments) as the basis of its fire prevention program, which sets smoke-alarm requirements for new and substantially renovated construction. For rentals, Texas law controls. Under Texas Property Code Chapter 92, Subchapter F (sections 92.251-92.262), a landlord must provide and install working smoke alarms in each dwelling unit; at a minimum, alarms must be located in each bedroom, in the hallway or area outside the bedrooms, and on each level of a multi-story unit. The landlord must inspect and ensure alarms work at the start of each lease and must repair or replace malfunctioning alarms on the tenant's request. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 766 establishes baseline fire-safety requirements for residential dwellings, including smoke detector standards for new one- and two-family dwellings. Cities such as Leander may adopt ordinances that conform to or add enforcement to these state rules. Homeowners and tenants should test alarms regularly and replace batteries; the Leander Fire Department promotes working smoke alarms as a core home fire-safety measure.