Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Rock County

Rock County, WI Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

State law
Wis. Stat. 101.145
Required at
Basement, stairways, sleeping areas
Owner duty
Install per manufacturer specs
Tenant duty
Maintain; report failures in writing
Repair deadline
5 days after written notice

Summary

Statewide, Wis. Stat. 101.145 requires working smoke detectors in the basement, at each stairway head on every floor, and in or near each sleeping area of every home and rental unit. Owners install them; occupants maintain them and must report failures in writing.

City-specific rules exist: Beloit, and Milton have their own smoke detectors rules that differ from Rock County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

[The owner shall] install and maintain a functional smoke detector in the basement and at the head of any stairway on each floor level of the building and shall install a functional smoke detector either in each sleeping area of each unit or elsewhere in the unit within 6 feet of each sleeping area and not in a kitchen.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Wisconsin's smoke-detector law applies across Rock County. Under Wis. Stat. 101.145(4), the owner must install and maintain a functional smoke detector in the basement, at the head of any stairway on each floor level, and either in each sleeping area or within 6 feet of it (not in a kitchen). Owners install per manufacturer directions and maintain common-area detectors. Occupants maintain the detectors inside their own unit, but if a non-owner tenant gives written notice that a detector is not working, the owner must make it functional within 5 days. New construction also carries carbon-monoxide requirements under the Uniform Dwelling Code (SPS 321).

Violations & Fines

Enforced by local building inspectors and fire officials; failure to provide required detectors can bring code-violation citations and liability. Landlords who ignore written repair notices violate state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where must smoke detectors be installed?
In the basement, at the head of each stairway on every floor, and in or within 6 feet of each sleeping area (but not in a kitchen), under Wis. Stat. 101.145(4).
Who fixes a broken detector in a rental?
The tenant maintains it, but once they give the owner written notice it is not working, the owner must repair or replace it within 5 days.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Rock County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSome RestrictionsFireworksSignificant RestrictionsBrush ClearanceSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome Restrictions

All Rock County rules

Compare Rock County to another location·View the Wisconsin fire regulations overview

Get notified when Smoke Detectors in Rock County, WI changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Smoke Detectors in Cities Across Rock County

Beloit, WIMilton, WI