Worcester, Mass., Rev. Ordinances ch. 10, § 2 (2008) § 10-2
Smoke Detectors in Certain Buildings
Operative Text
(a) Every building or structure occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and containing not less than three nor more than five dwelling units, (as that term is defined in 780 CMR 201.0), as amended), shall be equipped with an approved monitored battery powered smoke detector or an approved primary smoke detector, (as defined by the General Laws, chapter 148, § 26D, as amended). (b) The said approved monitored battery powered smoke detector or approved primary powered smoke detector shall be installed in each dwelling unit outside each separate sleeping area, (as such term "separate sleeping area" is defined by the General Laws chapter 148, § 26D, as amended); provided, however, that the fire chief shall allow the installation of approved monitored battery powered smoke detectors; and provided further, that in all common
Worcester Rev. Ordinances ch. 10 § 10-2 requires that residential buildings with three to five dwelling units be equipped with approved smoke detectors — either monitored battery-powered or approved primary powered models. These detectors must be installed in each dwelling unit, positioned outside every separate sleeping area. The provision references state definitions under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 148, § 26D to clarify what qualifies as an approved detector and what constitutes a separate sleeping area.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Worcester Rev. Ordinances ch. 10 § 10-2, operators of three-to-five-unit residential buildings generally ensure that each dwelling unit contains an approved monitored battery-powered or primary powered smoke detector placed outside each separate sleeping area. Compliant operators verify that the detectors they install meet the specifications set out in Massachusetts General Laws chapter 148, § 26D. Coordination with the local fire chief is part of the compliance process, as the fire chief retains authority over approving monitored battery-powered detector installations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Worcester Rev. Ordinances ch. 10 § 10-2 establishes that tenants living in buildings with three to five units have a right to properly installed, approved smoke detectors outside each sleeping area in their unit. If a detector appears to be missing, unapproved, or improperly placed, tenants may consider contacting the Worcester Fire Department or local housing inspection authorities to report the concern. Tenant-rights organizations in the Worcester area can also help residents understand what options are available when a building may not meet this requirement.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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