Richmond Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors Rules (2026)

Under California Health & Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13113.8, all single-family and multi-family dwellings must have operational smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways outside sleeping areas, and on every floor. Since July 1, 2014, any new alarm sold in California must be either hardwired with battery backup or contain a sealed 10-year non-removable battery (SB 745). Carbon-monoxide alarms are required in any dwelling with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage (HSC 13260 et seq., the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010). For rental properties, landlords must verify operability at the start of each tenancy and repair/replace on written notice from tenants; the Richmond Rent Program (enforcing Richmond's rent-control and just-cause ordinances) treats smoke/CO detector failures as habitability violations. Real estate transfers require seller disclosure and installation of compliant alarms before close of escrow under Civil Code 1102.6f. Richmond Fire Department responds to complaints and can issue correction notices. Multi-family buildings with three or more units must also maintain centralized fire-alarm systems per California Fire Code Chapter 9, inspected annually. Tampering with, removing, or disabling a required alarm is a misdemeanor under California law. Free or discounted smoke alarms are periodically available through Richmond Fire's community outreach and the American Red Cross Sound the Alarm program.