All Oak Lawn dwellings must have working smoke alarms under the Illinois Smoke Detector Act (425 ILCS 60/). Since January 1, 2023, replacement alarms in homes built before 1988 must be 10-year sealed-battery photoelectric units. Alarms are required in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level.
Illinois law (425 ILCS 60/ Smoke Detector Act) governs smoke alarm requirements statewide, and Oak Lawn enforces them through the Fire Department and Building Division. Alarms must be installed in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area (hallway), and on every level including the basement. Since January 1, 2023, any smoke alarm being replaced in a home built before 1988 must be a 10-year sealed-battery unit — removable/9V-battery units are no longer compliant as replacements. Homes with hardwired alarms (typically those built 1988 or later) may continue using hardwired systems with battery backup. Carbon monoxide alarms are separately required under 430 ILCS 135/ within 15 feet of each sleeping area in homes with fuel-fired appliances or attached garages. Landlords must verify operation at each new tenancy. Contact the Oak Lawn Fire Department at (708) 499-7835 for inspections or questions.
Illinois law provides fines up to $100 for a first offense and up to $200 for subsequent offenses per non-compliant unit. Landlords face escalated penalties. Non-working alarms found after a fire can affect insurance claims and create civil liability.
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