Maryland requires smoke alarms on every level, in bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Since 2018, replacements must be sealed 10-year battery or hardwired units.
Maryland Public Safety Article 9-101 through 9-109 mandates smoke alarms in all residential dwellings. Every home must have alarms on each level, inside every sleeping room, and outside each sleeping area. Since January 1, 2018, any replacement smoke alarm must be either a sealed lithium battery unit with a minimum 10-year lifespan or a hardwired unit with battery backup. Removable-battery-only alarms no longer meet code for replacements. Carbon monoxide detectors are also required near sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages under Maryland law. Montgomery County Code Chapter 22 (Fire Safety Code) provides additional enforcement authority. Landlords in Takoma Park must ensure all rental units have compliant smoke and CO alarms at tenant move-in. The city has a high percentage of rental housing, making landlord compliance particularly important. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue conducts inspections and can issue citations for non-compliance.
Failure to maintain working smoke alarms: citation under MD Public Safety Art. 9-105. Landlord violations may result in rental license issues under Montgomery County and Takoma Park rental codes.
See how other cities in Montgomery County handle smoke detectors.
See how Takoma Park's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.