Madison enforces WI Stat 101.145 requiring smoke alarms on every floor and in every sleeping room of residential dwellings. Rental properties must have interconnected alarms verified at each tenant turnover under MGO 27.05.
Wisconsin Statute 101.145 and SPS 362 require functional smoke alarms on each floor of a dwelling, in the basement, and within each sleeping room and hallway serving bedrooms. New construction and substantial remodels require hardwired, interconnected alarms with battery backup. Madison Building Inspection enforces this during rental certificate inspections; landlords must provide written instructions and test alarms at move-in. Carbon monoxide alarms are separately required by WI Stat 101.149 in any dwelling with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. Madison Fire Department runs a free smoke alarm installation program for income-qualified residents, providing 10-year sealed lithium battery units. Failure to maintain alarms is a violation carrying forfeitures and potential rental license consequences.
Missing or non-working alarms cited under MGO 27.05 with forfeitures typically 100 to 500 dollars per unit plus re-inspection fees.
See how Madison's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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