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Last verified: · Confidence: high
What smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules apply to landlords in Pennsylvania?
Short answer
CO alarms in rental multifamily dwellings (3+ households) with fossil-fuel appliances, fireplace or attached garage
When: Before each new occupancy: replace missing/inoperable alarms and ensure batteries work
Owners of rental buildings with 3+ apartments that have fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace or attached garage must install CO alarms near bedrooms and the appliance, and at each new occupancy replace missing alarms and make sure batteries work.
""Multifamily dwelling." Any house or building, or portion thereof, that is intended or designed to be occupied or leased for occupation, or occupied as a home or residence for three or more households" palegis.us
"Ensure that the batteries in each approved carbon monoxide alarm are in operating condition at the time the new occupant takes residence in the rental property." palegis.us
CO alarms in rental multifamily dwellings (3+ households) with fossil-fuel appliances, fireplace or attached garage Verified
Deadline: Before each new occupancy: replace missing/inoperable alarms and ensure batteries work
Owners of rental buildings with 3+ apartments that have fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace or attached garage must install CO alarms near bedrooms and the appliance, and at each new occupancy replace missing alarms and make sure batteries work.
Who it covers: Only buildings with fossil fuel-burning heater/appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.
""Multifamily dwelling." Any house or building, or portion thereof, that is intended or designed to be occupied or leased for occupation, or occupied as a home or residence for three or more households" palegis.us
"Ensure that the batteries in each approved carbon monoxide alarm are in operating condition at the time the new occupant takes residence in the rental property." palegis.us
Notes: Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act, Act 121 of 2013. No statewide rental smoke-alarm statute captured; municipal codes (e.g., Philadelphia) apply.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction