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Last verified: · Confidence: high
What smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules apply to landlords in North Carolina?
Short answer
At the start of every tenancy: smoke and CO alarms working, with new batteries
When: When the lease starts
Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are operable and in good repair at the beginning of each tenancy, and put new batteries in battery-operated alarms (unless you and the tenant agree otherwise in writing). Tenants replace batteries during the tenancy.
"The landlord shall ensure that a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm are operable and in good repair at the beginning of each tenancy." ncleg.gov
"Unless the landlord and the tenant have a written agreement to the contrary, the landlord shall place new batteries in a battery-operated smoke alarm at the beginning of a tenancy" ncleg.gov
At the start of every tenancy: smoke and CO alarms working, with new batteries Verified
Deadline: When the lease starts
Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are operable and in good repair at the beginning of each tenancy, and put new batteries in battery-operated alarms (unless you and the tenant agree otherwise in writing). Tenants replace batteries during the tenancy.
"The landlord shall ensure that a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm are operable and in good repair at the beginning of each tenancy." ncleg.gov
"Unless the landlord and the tenant have a written agreement to the contrary, the landlord shall place new batteries in a battery-operated smoke alarm at the beginning of a tenancy" ncleg.gov
Notes: N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-42(a)(5) and (7). CO alarms are required where the unit has a fossil-fuel heater, appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
Last verified 2026-10-23 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Within 15 days after written notice from the tenant: repair or replace a smoke or CO alarm Verified
Deadline: Within 15 days after the tenant notifies you in writing that an alarm needs repair or replacement
If the tenant tells you in writing that a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm needs replacing or repairing, fix or replace it within 15 days.
"The landlord shall replace or repair the smoke alarms within 15 days of receipt of notification if the landlord is notified of needed replacement or repairs in writing by the tenant." ncleg.gov
"The landlord shall replace or repair the carbon monoxide alarms within 15 days of receipt of notification if the landlord is notified of needed replacement or repairs in writing by the tenant." ncleg.gov
Notes: N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-42(a)(5) and (7).
Last verified 2026-10-23 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction