N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 153:10-a § 153:10-a
Automatic Fire Warning Devices and Carbon Monoxide Detection Devices in Dwellings.
Operative Text
I. Each multi-unit dwelling and rental unit shall be equipped with automatic fire warning devices in accordance with the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and the NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code and carbon monoxide detection devices in accordance with the NFPA 720 Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment; provided that a carbon monoxide detection device shall not be required in a multi-unit dwelling or rental unit that does not have an attached garage and does not contain an appliance or device that uses a combustion method of burning solid, liquid, or gas fuel. If a garage or combustion fuel appliance or device is later added to the dwelling or rental unit, a carbon monoxide detection device shall be required. II. Every single family dwelling which is built or substantially rehabilitated after January 1, 2010, shall be equipped with an automatic fire warning device and a carbon monoxide detection device; provided that a carbon monoxide detection device shall not be required if the single family dwelling does not have an attached garage and does not contain an appliance or device that uses a combustion method of burning solid, liquid, or gas fuel. If a garage or combustion fuel appliance or device is later added to the dwelling, a carbon monoxide detection device shall be required. II-a. The owner of the rental unit shall be responsible for maintaining the automatic fire warning device and carbon monoxide detection device in a suitable condition. III. The state fire marshal may adopt such rules pursuant to RSA 541-A as necessary to enforce paragraphs I, II, and II-a; provided that under no circumstances shall the rules require the installation of a fire sprinkler system in a one- or 2-family dwelling unit that otherwise meets the requirements of this section. The state fire marshal shall either enforce the provisions of this section or appoint the appropriate municipal authority to enforce the provisions of this section. IV. Any party aggrieved by the state fire marshal's interpretation, order, requirement, or direction under the provisions of this section may, within 45 days after the service of notice, appeal to the supreme court under RSA 541. V. The state fire marshal may grant authority in writing to local fire authorities to issue citations for violations of fire safety rules adopted under RSA 153:10-a and RSA 153:10-b. A citation for violations issued under this paragraph shall carry the penalty set forth in RSA 153:24. VI. Any ordinance or bylaw enacted by a city, town, village district, or precinct, or any rule or regulation adopted for licensure by a governmental agency which contains more stringent requirements than the provisions of this section shall not be made void by this section and shall remain in full force and effect. VII. Whenever the enforcement authority observes a violation of this section, he or she shall prepare a written notice of violation describing the substandard condition and specifying a time limit for the elimination of the violation. The written notice of violation shall be served by the enforcement authority or the authority's designee upon the owner or the owner's duly authorized agent or upon the occupant or other person responsible for the violation. Such notice of violation shall be served either by certified mail to the last known post office address or by delivering it personally to such person or persons.
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 153:10-a requires that multi-unit dwellings and rental units be equipped with automatic fire warning devices meeting NFPA 101 and NFPA 72 standards, and carbon monoxide detection devices meeting NFPA 720 standards where combustion appliances or attached garages are present. Single-family dwellings built or substantially rehabilitated after January 1, 2010, face similar requirements. If a garage or combustion-fuel appliance is added to any dwelling after the fact, a carbon monoxide detector becomes required at that point. Enforcement is handled by the state fire marshal or a designated municipal authority, and violations trigger a written notice specifying a deadline for correction.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 153:10-a, owners of rental units and multi-unit dwellings are responsible for installing fire warning devices that conform to NFPA 101 and NFPA 72, and carbon monoxide detectors conforming to NFPA 720 wherever an attached garage or combustion-fuel appliance is present. Section II-a specifically places the duty of maintaining these devices in suitable condition on the owner, not the tenant. Compliant operators typically conduct regular inspections of all detection equipment, update devices when garages or combustion appliances are added to a unit, and retain documentation of maintenance activities. When a violation is found, the enforcement authority issues a written notice with a correction deadline, so prompt attention to device condition helps avoid formal enforcement action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 153:10-a establishes that tenants in rental units have a right to functioning automatic fire warning devices and, where applicable, carbon monoxide detection devices that meet recognized national safety standards. The statute places maintenance responsibility squarely on the property owner under paragraph II-a, meaning a landlord's failure to keep these devices in suitable condition may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants who believe their unit lacks required or properly functioning devices may report the condition to the state fire marshal or the designated municipal enforcement authority, who can issue a written notice of violation requiring correction within a specified timeframe. Consulting a tenant-rights organization can help clarify available options under § 153:10-a.
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 20, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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