The regulations regarding safety equipment, specifically smoke detectors is evolving in California.
In 2014:
Smoke detectors must meet the following conditions specifications
- Display date of manufacture on the device
- Provide a space to record date of installation on the device
- Incorporate a hush feature
- Have an end-of-life feature that provides notice that the device needs to be replaced
- And contain a NON-REPLACEABLE, NON-REMOVABLE battery with a minimum service life of 10 years (unless the smoke detector is hard wired into the electrical system of the home.)
(As a note, only compliant smoke detectors are available for sale from reputable suppliers.)
On January 1, 2016
- Owners of residential units will be required to install additional smoke detectors, as needed, to comply with current building standards (smoke detector on every floor, in hallways outside of sleeping areas and in each bedroom)
In an effort to bring all of our properties into compliance with the new regulations in the most efficient and cost effective manner Real Property Management will be replacing any non-functional or missing smoke detectors discovered during maintenance or regular inspection with hardware that meets the new standards. (Existing, undamaged, functional equipment will not be replaced.)
Further, when performing other interior work in the year of 2015 we will be bringing properties into compliance by adding smoke detectors as required to meet the requirements of the regulation. (Existing, undamaged, functional equipment will not be replaced.)