Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
Last verified: · Confidence: high
What smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules apply to landlords in California?
Short answer
Carbon monoxide devices installed and operable when the tenant takes possession
When: When the lease starts
Install State Fire Marshal-listed carbon monoxide devices in units with a fossil-fuel appliance, fireplace or attached garage, and make sure they work when the tenant moves in; correct reported deficiencies.
"The carbon monoxide device shall be operable at the time that the tenant takes possession." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Carbon monoxide devices installed and operable when the tenant takes possession Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Install State Fire Marshal-listed carbon monoxide devices in units with a fossil-fuel appliance, fireplace or attached garage, and make sure they work when the tenant moves in; correct reported deficiencies.
Who it covers: Required in dwelling units with a fossil-fuel heater or appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.
"The carbon monoxide device shall be operable at the time that the tenant takes possession." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage," leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Health & Safety Code §§17926, 17926.1.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Smoke alarms installed, tested and operable at each new tenancy Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Owners of rented dwellings (including rented single-family homes) are responsible for testing and maintaining smoke alarms and must make sure they work when each new tenancy is created; fix reported problems. Entry to test or repair needs 24 hours' written notice.
"At the time that a new tenancy is created, the owner shall ensure that smoke alarms are operable." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
"the owner of a single-family dwelling that is rented or leased, shall be responsible for testing and maintaining alarms required by this section as follows:" leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Notes: Health & Safety Code §13113.7(d).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction