California law requires smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor of a home. Carbon monoxide detectors are required near bedrooms per CA Health & Safety Code 17926. Orange County Fire Authority enforces these requirements in unincorporated areas.
California Health & Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13114 require smoke alarms in all existing dwellings. Alarms must be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor including basements. As of January 1, 2014, all smoke alarms in California must be sealed 10-year lithium battery models or hardwired. Battery-only replaceable-battery alarms are no longer compliant for new installations. Carbon monoxide detectors are required near bedrooms per CA Health & Safety Code 17926 in dwellings with fossil fuel appliances or attached garages. OCFA conducts fire safety inspections and can require compliance during home sales or remodeling permits. Landlords must ensure working smoke and CO detectors at tenant move-in. The California Fire Code adopted by OCFA requires interconnected alarms in new construction so all alarms sound when one is triggered.
Failure to maintain working smoke alarms violates CA Health & Safety Code. Landlords face penalties for non-compliance at tenant move-in. Homes sold without compliant alarms require seller disclosure. OCFA enforces during inspections. Fines vary; insurance claims may be affected.
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See how Orange County's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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