New York, NY Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Smoke alarm requirements in New York County are set by NYC Admin Code sections 27-2045 and 27-2046, commonly called Local Law 38. Every apartment, cooperative, condominium unit, single family home, and single room occupancy unit in Manhattan must have at least one operational smoke alarm installed in each bedroom or within 15 feet of the entrance to each sleeping area. Building owners must install alarms at no cost to the tenant, though owners may bill a one time 25 dollar cost for a battery operated alarm and up to 50 dollars for hardwired. Since April 1, 2019, under Local Law 157, any replaced smoke alarm must be a 10 year sealed lithium battery model, eliminating the ability for tenants to remove standard batteries. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are also accepted. Tenants are responsible for testing alarms monthly, replacing missing batteries in pre-2019 models, and notifying the owner of any defect within 48 hours. Noncompliance by owners is a Class C immediately hazardous HPD violation with daily penalties up to 125 dollars, plus FDNY summons if discovered during fire response.