New York City law requires the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Both property owners and tenants have responsibilities to ensure that all New Yorkers remain safe in their homes from the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning (carbon monoxide is an odorless and highly toxic gas).

 

Tenants are responsible for maintaining both devices:

  • Test all carbon monoxide and smoke detectors at least once a month.
  • Replace the batteries (only the recommended type) in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors at least twice a year.
  • Listen for an alarm sound when the battery is low, and replace the battery immediately.
  • Never paint over detectors.

Tenants are responsible for replacing a detector which has been stolen, removed, missing, or rendered inoperable during occupancy:

  • Tenants who live in a Class A building (permanent occupancy) must reimburse the building owner $25 for each smoke detector and each carbon monoxide detector, or $50 for each joint smoke/carbon monoxide detector that is newly installed or installed as a result of the occupant’s failure to maintain the detector, or where the detector has been lost or damaged by the occupant. The occupant has one year from the date of installation to make a payment.
  • Tenants who live in class B buildings (transient use) are not required to reimburse property owners for either device.
  • Tenants in private dwellings (1-2 family homes) must reimburse the building owner $25 for each carbon monoxide detector that is newly installed or installed as a result of the occupant’s failure to maintain the detector, or where the detector has been lost or damaged by the occupant. The occupant has one year from the date of installation to make a payment.