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Last verified: · Confidence: high
What smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules apply to landlords in Washington?
Short answer
Smoke detectors: the owner installs them and makes sure they work before each new tenant moves in
When: At each vacancy, before the unit is reoccupied
The owner is responsible for installing smoke detection devices; the tenant maintains them, including batteries. At each vacancy, the owner must make sure the smoke detector works before the unit is reoccupied.
"Installation of smoke detection devices shall be the responsibility of the owner." app.leg.wa.gov
"At the time of a vacancy, the owner shall insure that the smoke detection device is operational prior to the reoccupancy of the dwelling unit." app.leg.wa.gov
Smoke detectors: the owner installs them and makes sure they work before each new tenant moves in Verified
Deadline: At each vacancy, before the unit is reoccupied
The owner is responsible for installing smoke detection devices; the tenant maintains them, including batteries. At each vacancy, the owner must make sure the smoke detector works before the unit is reoccupied.
"Installation of smoke detection devices shall be the responsibility of the owner." app.leg.wa.gov
"At the time of a vacancy, the owner shall insure that the smoke detection device is operational prior to the reoccupancy of the dwelling unit." app.leg.wa.gov
Notes: RCW 43.44.110(3).
Last verified 2026-10-24 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction