Waukesha County, WI Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Wis. Stat. 101.145
- Required in
- Basement, stairways, sleeping areas
- Near sleeping area
- Within 6 feet, not in kitchen
- Landlord repair
- Within 5 days of notice
- CO detectors
- Required, Wis. Stat. 101.149
Summary
Wisconsin state law (Wis. Stat. 101.145) requires a functional smoke detector in the basement, at the head of each stairway, and in or within 6 feet of each sleeping area. Landlords must repair a reported non-working detector within 5 days.
The owner shall provide, within 5 days after receipt of that notice, any maintenance necessary to make that smoke detector functional.
Full Breakdown
Statewide law applies uniformly across Waukesha County. The owner must install and maintain a functional smoke detector in the basement, at the head of any stairway on each floor level, and in each sleeping area (or within 6 feet of it, but not in a kitchen). In rental units, if an occupant gives written notice that a detector is not functional, the owner must provide any maintenance needed to make it work within 5 days of receiving that notice. Tenants are responsible for routine upkeep such as batteries. Wisconsin also requires carbon monoxide detectors under Wis. Stat. 101.149 in residential buildings with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
Violations & Fines
Failure to install or maintain required detectors can result in state penalties and local code-enforcement action against the property owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are smoke detectors required?
How fast must a landlord fix a broken detector?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waukesha County
Compare Waukesha County to another location·View the Wisconsin fire regulations overview
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