Smoke Detector Requirements

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Inspections

  • The seller shall bear the cost of the inspection ($30.00). (Rhode Island fire code)
  • A sixty-dollar (60.00) fee will be allowed for any subsequent re-inspection of the same residential occupancy due to improper installation, wrong location, improper wiring method, or the seller’s failure to maintain a mutually agreed appointment. (Rhode Island fire code)
  • No plug-in carbon monoxide detectors are allowed.
  • Dwellings without fuel-burning appliances or integrated garages are exempt from installing carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Smoke alarms shall not remain in service any longer than ten years from the date of manufacture.
  • A residential certificate of compliance for smoke and co-alarms is good for 120 days.
  • It is recommended that your inspection be scheduled at least two weeks before your closing to allow time for any potential corrections.
  • Residential inspections are typically done on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • Ensure your property is compliant before the inspection to avoid an additional fee.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

24.6.3 Installation of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms-Existing Buildings 

24.6.3.1 All occupied residential properties, including mobile homes, shall, at the responsibility of the seller before title to the property is transferred, be provided with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, installed in accordance with NFPA 72, 2019 edition, , at the direction and to the satisfaction of the AHJ. 

24.6.3.1.1 The above smoke and carbon monoxide alarms may be installed as either separate or combination units approved by the AHJ. Carbon monoxide alarms required by § 24.6.3 shall be in accordance with § 24.3.4.2. The requirements for the above smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms or detectors shall be as follows: 

  • 24.6.3.1.1.1 Homes built in 1976 or prior: 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be installed outside sleeping areas and on each level of the dwelling unit(s) (including basements). 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated. 
    • Smoke Alarms are not required to be interconnected. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be installed outside sleeping areas.
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be permitted to be battery operated. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors are not required to be interconnected.
  • 24.6.3.1.1.2 Homes built on and after January 1, 1977 through December 31, 2001: 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be installed outside sleeping areas and on each level of the dwelling unit(s) (including basements). 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be hard-wired with battery backup. 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be required to be interconnected. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be installed outside sleeping areas. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be permitted to be battery operated. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors are not required to be interconnected. 
  • 24.6.3.1.1.3 Homes built on and after January 1, 2002 through February 19, 2004: 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be installed outside sleeping areas and on each level of the dwelling unit(s) (including basements). 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be hard-wired with battery backup. 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be required to be interconnected. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be installed outside sleeping areas. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be hard-wired with battery backup. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be required to be interconnected. 
  • 24.6.3.1.1.4 Homes built on and after February 20, 2004 through December 31, 2012: 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be installed inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on each level of the dwelling unit(s) (including basements) (In accordance with NFPA 72 (2002 Edition). 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be hard-wired with battery backup. 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be required to be interconnected. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be installed outside each sleeping area. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be hard-wired with battery backup. 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be required to be interconnected. 
  • 24.6.3.1.1.5 Homes built on and after January 1, 2013 through September 30, 2016: 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 (2010 Edition). 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 720 (2012 Edition). 
  • 24.6.3.1.1.6 Homes built on and after October 1, 2016: 
    • Smoke Alarms shall be installed in accordance with § 24.3.4.1.1 and NFPA 72 (2013 Edition). 
    • Carbon Monoxide Alarms or Detectors shall be installed in accordance with § 24.3.4.2 and NFPA 720 (2015 Edition). 

24.6.3.1.1.7 Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 24.6.3.1.1.1 through 24.6.3.1.1.6, newly constructed or converted bedrooms or sleeping areas shall comply with the requirements for new construction in place at the time of construction or conversion.