Javascript is required to run this page

SB743

Housing; installation and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rental property.

Status:
Consolidated

Chief Patron:
Bill DeSteph (R)

Session:
2018 Regular Session

Summary

As Introduced. Housing; installation and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Creates a statewide standard for the installation and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rental property. The bill requires a landlord to (i) install a smoke alarm without retrofitting the installation site and (ii) certify annually that smoke alarms have been installed and maintained in good working order in a residential dwelling unit pursuant to the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (§ 27-94 et seq.) and the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.). The landlord is also required to install a carbon monoxide alarm upon request by a tenant; the installation and subsequent maintenance must be in compliance with the Statewide Fire Prevention Code and the Uniform Statewide Building Code. A tenant of a rental dwelling unit with a smoke alarm or both smoke and carbon monoxide alarms shall not tamper or remove such alarms. Under the bill, a reasonable accommodation must be made for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, upon request. Localities that have enacted a fire and carbon monoxide alarm ordinance must conform such ordinances with these state standards by July 1, 2019. The bill also requires the Department of Housing and Community Development, in consultation with the Department of Fire Programs, to develop a form for landlords for use in certifying inspections that summarizes smoke alarm maintenance requirements for landlords and tenants. The bill is a recommendation of the Virginia Housing Commission. This bill was incorporated into SB 391. (Less)
  • Bill History

  • 01/10/2018 - Senate: Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/18 18103113D
  • 01/10/2018 - Senate: Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
  • 01/17/2018 - Senate: Impact statement from DPB (SB743)
  • 01/22/2018 - Senate: Incorporated by General Laws and Technology (SB391-Barker) (15-Y 0-N)