<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by twin:
Hi I live in Tucson, AZ and was wondering if the landlord has to provide a smoke detector in the duplex were renting? If so how many per sq. foot? Can anyone help out here?
Thanks.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
My response:
The city of Phoenix and Tucson "Construction Codes" require all residential occupancies built after April 1983, and all residences undergoing $1,000 or more of remodeling to have smoke detectors.
The construction code mandates installation of hard wire smoke detectors in all apartments built after the same date.
Arizona State Code 36-1637. Smoke detectors; residential housing -
A. An approved smoke detector shall be installed during construction in each new residential housing unit in this state. An approved smoke detector shall be installed in each existing residential housing unit in this state which does not comply with the requirements of this section if a sleeping area is remodeled and if this remodeling requires a permit from the local political subdivision.
B. A smoke detector installed in a new residential housing unit or in a remodeled area pursuant to this section shall be maintained and kept operable by the tenant unless the tenant gives written notification to the landlord of its malfunction. The landlord shall be responsible for the repair of a smoke detector if such notice is given by the tenant.
C. The landlord shall give written notification to the tenant of the tenant's responsibilities pursuant to this section.
The placement of smoke detectors is very important. Sleeping areas need the most protection. One detector in a short hallway outside the bedroom area is usually adequate. Hallways longer than 30 feet should have one at each end. For maximum protection, install a detector in each bedroom.
Be sure to keep the detector away from fireplaces and wood stoves to avoid false alarms. Place smoke detectors at the top of each stairwell and at the end of each long hallway. Smoke rises easily through stairwells. If you should put a smoke detector in your kitchen, be sure to keep it away from cooking fumes or smoking areas.
Proper mounting of a smoke detector also is important. You can mount many detectors by yourself, but those connected to your household wiring should have their own separate circuit and be installed by a professional electrician. If you mount your detector on the ceiling, be sure to keep it at least 18 inches away from dead air space near walls and corners. If you mount it on the wall, place it six to 12 inches below the ceiling and away from corners. Keep them high because smoke rises.
Never place them any closer than three feet from an air register that might recirculate smoke. Don't place them near doorways or windows where drafts could impair the detector operation. Don't place them on an uninsulated exterior wall or ceiling. Temperature extremes can affect the batteries.
IAAL
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[This message has been edited by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE (edited May 13, 2000).]
