Smoke Detector Regulations for Arizona

The Phoenix Fire Department recommends that Arizona residents install a smoke detector on every level of their homes. Install a smoke detector outside of sleeping areas. For maximum protection, place one in each bedroom. The smoke detector batteries should be changed when the unit starts making a beeping sound, and the entire unit should be replaced every 10 years.

Under Arizona law, building contractors must install a smoke detector in all new residential units. Installation occurs during the building phase of the project. When renovation work is performed on an existing property requiring a building permit for a sleeping area, the builder installs a smoke detector as well.

When a tenant moves into a new housing unit or a renovated living space, the tenant must maintain the smoke detector. The tenant informs the landlord in writing if the unit is malfunctioning. The landlord must repair the smoke detector if he is notified in writing that the unit is not functioning properly.

Licensed child care and adult care facilities in Arizona must have a working smoke detector installed in all activity areas and the kitchen of the premises. The unit may be battery-operated or it may be hard-wired into the facility's electrical system. The hard-wired style smoke detector must be equipped with a battery back-up. All smoke detectors must be tested monthly.

Dispose of ionization smoke detectors in Arizona by sending the unit back to the manufacturer. Since these products contain americium-241, which is a low-level radioactive material, the manufacturers must accept old units and dispose of them in a proper manner.