Questions about smoke detectors come up often so this week the question is about a non-functioning smoke detector in a rental and who is responsible for replacing it is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and he is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out the form below.
Dear Landlord Hank,
We rent, and the smoke detectors are not working. It looks like entire unit needs new detectors. Who should replace them, us or the landlord?
– Rita
Dear Rita,
Normally the lease will require you to replace smoke-detector batteries when they die, but the owner should be responsible for replacing the actual smoke detector.
I’d try to replace the battery, and then contact the landlord or property manager ASAP.
The owner will also want you and the property to have maximum protection and warning in case of fire.
Sincerely,
Hank Rossi
Editor’s note: Check your local and state regulations on issues such as this as it varies across the country.
As a child, Hank Rossi sometimes helped his father take care of the family rental-maintenance business.  In the mid-’90s he got into the rental business for himself. After he retired, he started a real-estate brokerage business with his sister that focuses on property management and leasing. Visit his website: https://rentsrq.com.
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