(A) Smoke detectors required. Every owner of a rental residential dwelling unit lawfully constructed without smoke detectors shall install a smoke detector mounted on the ceiling or wall on every level, at a point centrally located in the corridor or area giving access to each group of rooms used for sleeping purposes and in common stairwell in each dwelling unit.
(B) Requirements for smoke detectors. All smoke detectors required by this section shall comply with all of the following:
(1) Be listed by an agency approved by the North Carolina State Building Code Council;
(2) Be powered by batteries or by a non-switchable AC source (attached to the building’s electrical current and not contain a switch outside the main panel box);
(3) Be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; and
(4) Be activated and provide an audible alarm.
(C) Maintenance. The owner of every rental residential unit where a smoke detector is installed pursuant to this section shall maintain an ensure that the smoke detector is kept in good working order at all times. If a battery-operated smoke detector is used, the batteries shall be replaced at least one per year.
Statutory reference:
Smoke detectors, see 1991 Session Laws Chapter 312 § 2