Arizona ARS 36-1637 requires an approved smoke detector in every new residential housing unit and in any sleeping area remodeled under permit. Scottsdale enforces the 2021 International Fire Code (Ordinance 4562, SRC Chapter 36) for placement and maintenance. Tenants must keep alarms operable; landlords must repair on written notice. Vacation rentals under Ordinance 4566 must also display the alarm location near each main door.
Arizona Revised Statutes 36-1637 mandates that an approved smoke detector be installed during construction of every new residential housing unit, and that smoke detectors be added when an existing sleeping area is remodeled under a building permit. The statute makes the tenant responsible for keeping the device operable, but once a tenant gives the landlord written notice of a malfunction, the landlord must make the repair; landlords must also notify tenants of these duties in writing. Scottsdale enforces the 2021 International Fire Code as adopted by Ordinance 4562 and codified in Chapter 36 of the Scottsdale Revised Code (SRC); IFC Section 907.2.11 generally requires smoke alarms in each sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on every story including basements. Short-term/vacation rentals licensed under Ordinance 4566 (SRC 18-175) must additionally post a 14-point bold, laminated notice on the inside of the front door and the primary backyard door identifying the location of fire and life-safety equipment, including smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Confirm exact placement and any local amendments with Scottsdale Fire & Life Safety Inspections at 480-312-1855.
Failing to install or maintain working smoke alarms in a new or remodeled residential unit violates ARS 36-1637 and the adopted IFC (SRC Chapter 36). For licensed short-term rentals, omitting the required laminated safety notice or missing alarms can trigger Scottsdale Code Enforcement action under Ordinance 4566, including citations and STR-license suspension or revocation.
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