smoke AND CARBON MONOXIDE alarmS 

REQUIREMENTS WHEN SELLING OR RENTING

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SMOKE ALARM LAWS

ORS 479.260Smoke alarms are required to be present at the time of sale. 
ORS 479.297Smoke alarms are required to:
  • Have the hush feature (enabling a person to silence them for not more than 15 minutes).
  • Be packaged and sold with a "long life" 10-year battery. 
Note:Hardwired smoke alarm systems cannot be replaced with battery-operated smoke alarms. 

SMOKE ALARM PLACEMENT

  • Install alarms in accordance with the listing and manufacturer's instructions. 
  • Outside each sleeping area (it is recommended to add them in each bedroom).
  • On each level of the dwelling unit if it is multi-level (including a basement).

SMOKE ALARMS - RENTAL RULES

ORS 479.270The landlord is responsible for:
  • Supplying and installing working smoke alarms. 
  • Repairing or replacing the alarm if it is not working.
ORS 479.275The tenant is responsible for: 
  • Testing the unit every six (6) months.
  • Notifying the landlord immediately if the alarm is not working.
  • Not disconnecting or tampering with the alarm.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

CO alarms are required to be present at time of sale or rental.
Carbon monoxide alarms must be one of the following:
  • Battery operated.
  • Hardwired into the structure with a battery back up.
  • Plugged into an electrical outlet with a battery back up.

CO ALARM PLACEMENT

  • In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

    On each floor where bedrooms are located.

  • Inside each bedroom or outside bedrooms, within 15 feet of each bedroom door.

  • Some local ordinances have additional requirements.

CO ALARM - RENTAL RULES

The landlord must:
  • Install a properly functioning CO alarm
  • Provide working batteries (if battery powered, or has a back up battery system).
  • Provide the new tenant with alarm testing instructions.
  • Replace the alarm if they have been notified by the tenant that it isn't working.
A tenant must:
  • Test the unit every six (6) months.
  • Replace batteries as needed.
  • Notify landlord in writing immediately if it isn't working.

REFERENCES

Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office Smoke and CO Alarms
Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 479
Smoke alarms - TVF&R
Carbon Monoxide Alarms - TVF&R