New Provisions in Construction Code Mandate Alarms in Older Homes
According to New Jersey state officials, it’s relatively common for firefighters to arrive at the site of a residential fire in the state, only to discover that the fire or smoke alarms in the dwelling are not functioning. In many instances, those firefighters say that the smoke alarm batteries have either been removed or have not been replaced in a timely manner.
Citing concerns about public safety, the New Jersey legislature has enacted changes to the state construction code. Effective January 1, 2019, all residential structures built before 1977 are required to have a 10 year sealed battery smoke alarm installed. The change applies to one and two-story houses, motels and boarding/rooming houses. The new requirement does not apply to homes built since 1977, as existing code mandates that they have a hard-wired smoke alarm. Officials say the requirement for a sealed battery was written into the new law to prevent the removal of batteries. The entire unit will need to be replaced every ten years or when the battery dies.
Under New Jersey law, the owner of any residential rental property must obtain a certificate of Smoke Detector and a Certificate of Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm Compliance before initially renting property, and before leasing to new tenants. A tenant who is hearing impaired may ask the landlord to install a visual smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alert system.
Under New Jersey law, the owner of any residential rental property must obtain a certificate of Smoke Detector and a Certificate of Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm Compliance before initially renting property, and before leasing to new tenants. A tenant who is hearing impaired may ask the landlord to install a visual smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alert system.
Contact Attorney Howard D. Popper
To learn about how we can help you with a fire or burn injury claim, contact our office online or call attorney Popper at 973-993-8787. We have offices in Morristown and Newton, but will come to your home or the hospital, if necessary. There is no charge for your first consultation.
We handle all personal injury claims on a contingency basis. You won’t be charged any legal feesunless attorney Popper recovers compensation for your losses.