Combination smoke and CO alarm
Covers both fire and carbon monoxide detection in one unit — useful near attached garages and fuel-burning appliances.
Compare on AmazonSmoke Alarm Checklist for Landlords
Many states and cities set stricter, rental-specific smoke and CO alarm rules than general homeowner guidance — often including mandatory sealed 10-year alarms and documented turnover inspections. Check your state and local landlord-tenant law directly, and keep a dated record regardless.
Why this is different from general homeowner guidance
Landlord-tenant law adds a layer on top of general fire-safety best practice: many states specify who must supply alarms, who is responsible for battery replacement during a tenancy, how quickly a landlord must respond to a reported malfunction, and what has to be documented at move-in and move-out. These rules vary significantly by state and sometimes by city, so treat the checklist below as a starting point for your own recordkeeping, not a substitute for checking your specific jurisdiction's landlord-tenant statute.
At every tenant turnover
- Test every smoke and CO alarm in the unit with the tenant present or immediately before move-in.
- Record each alarm's manufacture date and location in your files.
- Replace any alarm at or past its 10-year mark before the new tenancy begins, rather than waiting for it to become an issue.
- Provide the incoming tenant with written confirmation of what was tested and when.
- Document the unit's alarm coverage against the general placement guidance (every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, every level, CO alarms where relevant).
During the tenancy
- Respond promptly to any tenant report of a malfunctioning or missing alarm — this is one of the most commonly disputed landlord-responsibility issues in rental housing.
- Keep a maintenance log rather than relying on memory of when alarms were last checked.
- Clarify in the lease who is responsible for routine battery replacement, if your state doesn't already dictate this.
Supplies for tracking compliance
These links go to an Amazon search so you can compare current options and prices.
10-year sealed battery smoke alarm
A sealed 10-year battery alarm removes the annual battery-swap chore for the life of the unit.
Compare on AmazonInterconnected wireless smoke alarm kit
When one alarm sounds, they all sound — useful in larger homes or homes with long hallways.
Compare on AmazonStandalone carbon monoxide alarm
A dedicated CO alarm for rooms near fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.
Compare on Amazon9V alkaline batteries (multipack)
Keeps battery-powered alarms working between the annual replacement reminder.
Compare on AmazonLightweight step ladder
A stable way to reach ceiling-mounted alarms for testing and battery changes.
Compare on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Am I required to provide CO alarms as a landlord?
Many states require CO alarms in rentals with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages, but the exact trigger conditions vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute.
Who is responsible for battery replacement — landlord or tenant?
This is frequently specified by state law or by the lease itself; if neither addresses it clearly, put it in writing before a dispute comes up.
What should I document at move-in and move-out?
At minimum: which alarms are present, their type, their manufacture dates, and confirmation that each was tested and working, signed or acknowledged by the tenant where practical.
Related on HomeRuleCheck: the smoke & CO safety overview, when smoke alarms expire (the 10-year rule), how to dispose of an old smoke detector, and the smoke alarm coverage & expiration checker.