Ann Arbor — Ch. 105 Housing Code § 8:527
Smoke, fire detection, and carbon monoxide detection devices
Operative Text
(1) No person shall let to another for occupancy any dwelling or dwelling units which are not equipped with: (a) Smoke or fire detectors, or with an automatic fire alarm system. The type, number, and location of the detectors of alarm systems must be approved by the Building Official in accordance with the standards contained in the International Fire Code as set forth in Chapter 111 . (b) Carbon monoxide detectors, in single and 2-family dwellings that contain a fuel-fired appliance or have an attached garage with a common door, regardless of the year the dwelling was constructed. In each individual dwelling unit, there shall be a minimum of 1 detector on each story and there shall be a detector installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. All detectors shall be UL listed. Multiple-dwellings shall comply with the carbon monoxide detection requirements contained in the International Fire Code as set forth in Chapter 111 , regardless of the year the dwelling was constructed. All detectors shall be UL listed. (2) The owner is responsible for assuring that the detectors and devices are maintained in good operating conditions and have working batteries. Residents shall be responsible for informing the landlord if and when the device becomes inoperable or the batteries need replacing. Batteries in battery-operated detectors shall be replaced so that the device is always operable. At every change of tenant in every dwelling unit, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors shall be tested to ensure they are in operable condition. (3) It shall be unlawful for anyone to willfully disable or render inoperable a smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide detection device or system. (4) Violations of subsections (1) and (2) shall constitute a civil infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00. Violations of subsection (3) shall constitute a misdemeanor, punishable by 90 days in jail and/or a $500.00 fine.
Ann Arbor — Ch. 105 Housing Code § 8:527 prohibits renting any dwelling that lacks approved smoke or fire detection equipment and, where applicable, carbon monoxide detectors. Single- and two-family homes with fuel-fired appliances or attached garages must have at least one carbon monoxide detector per story and one outside each sleeping area, all UL listed. Owners must keep all devices in working order, and deliberately disabling any detector is a criminal offense under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ann Arbor — Ch. 105 Housing Code § 8:527, compliant property owners ensure every rental unit is equipped with Building Official–approved smoke or fire detectors and the required carbon monoxide detectors before any tenancy begins. At each tenant turnover, operators test both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to confirm they are fully operational, and they replace batteries promptly whenever a resident reports a problem. Violations of the installation and maintenance requirements can result in civil infraction fines of up to $500, while willfully disabling a device carries misdemeanor exposure.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ann Arbor — Ch. 105 Housing Code § 8:527 gives tenants the right to occupy a dwelling that is properly equipped with functioning smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detection devices from the start of their tenancy. Tenants have a responsibility under this provision to notify their landlord when a detector becomes inoperable or needs new batteries, and landlords are legally required to address those issues. If a rental unit appears to lack required detectors or the devices are not maintained, tenants may consider contacting Ann Arbor's code enforcement office, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether a violation of this section can be raised in a relevant legal proceeding.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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