NYC Admin Code 27-2045, Local Law 38 of 1999 as amended, requires smoke alarms in every Manhattan dwelling unit, with 10 year sealed battery models mandatory on replacement since 2019.
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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
New York, NY
New York City enforces strict noise rules under Administrative Code Title 24, Chapter 2 (the NYC Noise Code, rewritten by Local Law 113 of 2005). Sound excee...
New York, NY
NYC bans commercial vehicles on residential streets 9 PM-5 AM and caps any commercial-vehicle parking at 3 hours per block (NYC Admin Code Β§19-170). 'Commerc...
New York, NY
In NYC residence districts, Zoning Resolution Β§23-44 limits fences in front yards to 4 feet above adjoining grade and permits walls up to 8 feet (not roofed ...
New York, NY
Section 161.05 of the New York City Health Code requires every dog in any public place, or in any open or unfenced area abutting a public place, to be effect...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations on private property. Landmark Preservation Commiss...
New York, NY
New York City has no ordinance specific to residential holiday inflatables. Inflatables in a sidewalk or right-of-way require a DOT permit under NYC Admin Co...
See how New York's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.