St. Louis requires working smoke detectors in all residential dwellings. Rental properties need hardwired, interconnected alarms on every level and in each sleeping area, verified at occupancy permit inspection.
Under the St. Louis Building Code (adopting the 2015 IRC/IFC) and the Housing Conservation Code, all residential units must have operational smoke detectors on every level, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. New construction and substantial renovations require hardwired alarms with battery backup, interconnected so that all alarms sound when one activates. Rental units in Housing Conservation Districts (which cover most of the City) undergo inspection at each tenant turnover and the occupancy permit will not issue without functioning alarms. Landlords are responsible for installation and testing at move-in; tenants are responsible for battery replacement and not disabling. Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms satisfy both requirements. The St. Louis Fire Department offers free smoke alarms to residents who request them.
Rental without working smoke detector: occupancy permit denied, $100-$500 fine per violation. Tampering or removal: separate citation.
See how St. Louis's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
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