Washington law (RCW 43.44.110) requires smoke detection devices in all dwelling units. The owner is responsible for installation; tenants maintain them, including batteries. Alarms are required in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on each level. Carbon-monoxide alarms are also required.
Clark County follows Washington's statewide requirement rather than a separate county rule. Under RCW 43.44.110, smoke detection devices must be installed inside all dwelling units, designed and installed per standards set by the state fire marshal. Installation is the owner's responsibility; maintenance, including battery replacement, is the tenant's. Rental units must have working alarms at move-in. The state residential building code (adopting the IRC via RCW 19.27) requires alarms in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level. Carbon-monoxide alarms are separately required in residences under RCW 19.27.530.
Failing to comply is punishable by a fine of not more than $200; where an owner's failure results in fire injury or damage, the penalty rises to $5,000.
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