Troy, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 176 § 176-25
Smoke-detecting alarm devices
Operative Text
A. At least one single-station smoke-detecting alarm device, located on or near the ceiling, shall be installed: (1) Adjacent to sleeping spaces within rented dwelling units, and (2) In sleeping rooms for transient occupancies (hotels, motels, lodging houses and dormitory buildings, as herein defined); except that such devices shall not be required for transient occupancies in buildings where: (a) A fire- and smoke-detecting system (total coverage) is required by the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and is installed; (b) A sprinkler system (total coverage) is installed in accordance with said code; or (c) Smoke-detecting alarm devices are installed in all corridors, hallways, stairways and other exitways of the building, and heat detectors are installed in furnace rooms, refuse rooms, storage rooms, janitor's closets, lounges, garages, laundry rooms, mechanical rooms, kitchens, and other similar ancillary spaces, and in cellars adjacent to any interior stairways, and activation of any one of the detectors shall cause an alarm to be sounded throughout the entire building. B. A single-station smoke-detecting alarm device is herein defined as an assembly comprised of a photoelectric or ionization type of smoke detector in which the control equipment and audible alarm is in one unit and which, upon detection of smoke, activates the alarm. C. A single-station smoke-detecting alarm device shall be maintained so that under normal conditions of use the device will not be a danger to health and welfare and will not create excessive noise or otherwise become a nuisance. D. A single-station smoke-detecting alarm device shall be approved by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. E. A single-station smoke-detecting alarm device shall be designed and installed so as to avoid dead air space, detect smoke and activate the alarm, be reasonably free from false alarm, and provide indication that the alarm is energized. F. The alarm shall be clearly audible in adjacent sleeping spaces with intervening doors closed. G. Anyone tampering with the devices shall be subject to the penalties imposed under this Code. H. The single-station smoke-detecting alarm device may be directly wired into a lighting circuit or be cord-connected to an electrical outlet or be battery-powered.
Troy, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 176 § 176-25 requires that at least one smoke-detecting alarm device be installed near sleeping areas in rented dwelling units and in sleeping rooms of hotels, motels, lodging houses, and dormitories, with limited exceptions for buildings that have comprehensive fire-detection or sprinkler systems. The device must meet specific technical standards—including Underwriters' Laboratories approval, audibility through closed doors, and freedom from excessive false alarms—and must be kept in safe working condition. Tampering with any such device is a violation subject to penalties under the Troy City Code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 176-25, compliant property operators in Troy generally ensure that at least one UL-approved, single-station smoke-detecting alarm device is installed on or near the ceiling adjacent to every sleeping space in rented units, and in sleeping rooms of any transient-occupancy building unless a qualifying total-coverage fire-detection or sprinkler system is already in place. Operators also routinely verify that each device remains properly maintained, is audible through closed doors, and is free from conditions that could make it a health hazard or nuisance. Keeping records of installation, maintenance checks, and device specifications can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with § 176-25.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 176-25 of the Troy City Code gives renters the right to have a functioning, UL-approved smoke-detecting alarm device installed near their sleeping area, and the device must be audible even with intervening doors closed. If a device is missing, non-functional, or has been tampered with, tenants may consider documenting the condition in writing and contacting the appropriate Troy code enforcement or housing authority to report the potential violation. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Troy housing law can help residents understand the range of options available when a landlord may not be meeting the requirements of § 176-25.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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