Landlord? New Law, Replace Old Smoke Detectors
Safety is one of our primary concerns in our homes and apartments. Now a new law makes it mandatory to replace old smoke detectors. A new law that has passed makes it mandatory for landlords and homeowners to replace outdated smoke alarms with the newer ones. According to News 10 ABC, starting April 1, 2019 you will only be able to buy smoke detectors that are either hard wired or a 10 year, sealed non-removable one.
These smoke detectors will cost more than the traditional ones that use replaceable batteries as its power source. But the new ones will be cheaper in the long term over the life of the new detectors.
Fire safety officials say that the benefit of the newer smoke detectors is that you will never forget to change the battery or replace it. With these sealed units, you aren't able to do that.
You should always test your smoke detectors at lease once each year by pressing the retest button on the front of the unit to make sure they are working correctly.