What should I do if my smoke alarm keeps beeping?

Replace the batteries. If it still beeps, notify your landlord in writing. If unresolved, file a health code complaint with your local health officer.

Can my landlord enter my apartment to check smoke alarms?

Yes. With reasonable notice, landlords can enter to inspect or maintain smoke alarms as required by Vermont law.

What if my rental does not have the required number of smoke detectors?

Notify your landlord in writing. If not resolved, contact your local health officer or use the Vermont Rental Housing Health Code Complaint Form.

Who pays for new smoke alarms if one stops working?

Landlords are responsible for providing working alarms. Tenants should report faulty alarms for replacement.

Where can I find the official rules for rental smoke alarms in Vermont?

See the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code and Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Statute for official requirements.

Vermont Smoke Alarm Laws: Tenant and Landlord Duties Explained

Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Vermont published June 21, 2025

Understanding your rights and duties regarding smoke alarms is essential for every Vermont renter. State law sets clear rules to protect tenant safety, but it also outlines specific responsibilities for both landlords and tenants. This guide covers what you need to know about smoke alarm requirements, your duties as a renter, and what to do if your smoke alarms need attention.

Vermont's Smoke Alarm Rules: What Every Renter Should Know

Vermont law requires all rental homes, apartments, and residential buildings to have working smoke detectors. These requirements are designed to protect residents from fire hazards and give tenants a clear path if alarms aren't properly maintained.

Who Is Responsible for Installing and Maintaining Smoke Alarms?

Landlords must provide and install the required number of operational smoke alarms before renting or leasing any dwelling unit.
Tenants are generally responsible for maintaining the alarms during their tenancy, especially to make sure batteries are replaced as needed.

All newly constructed or substantially renovated rental properties must include hardwired smoke detectors with battery backup. Other properties can use battery-operated alarms if compliant with the Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code.^[1]

Where Must Smoke Detectors Be Installed?

In or near every bedroom or sleeping area.
On each level of the home, including basements and finished attics.

Placement guidelines follow the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code for all residential rental properties.^[1]

Your Duties as a Tenant

Test all smoke alarms monthly.
Replace batteries as soon as you hear a "chirping" low-battery warning or as needed.
Notify your landlord in writing if a smoke alarm malfunctions, is missing, or cannot be made operational (for example, if it does not work after putting in new batteries).
Do not disable, remove, or tamper with any smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.

Prior to moving in, check that all alarms are present and working. If something is missing or non-functioning, inform your landlord immediately and document your communication.

Forms You May Need as a Vermont Renter

Rental Housing Health Code Complaint Form: If your landlord will not repair or replace a missing or faulty smoke alarm after written notice, tenants can file a complaint using the Vermont Rental Housing Health Code Complaint Form. Use this if communication with your landlord fails and you need assistance from local health officials.
Fire Safety Complaint: For urgent fire code issues, such as the lack of required smoke detectors, renters can also contact the Vermont Division of Fire Safety using details on their official contact page. There is no statewide specific form, but complaints can be made in writing or by phone.

Always keep documentation of your requests to your landlord, including emails or letters, for your own records. If you submit a complaint form, provide as much detail as possible (address, description of the problem, prior attempts to notify the landlord).

What Law Protects Vermont Renters?

The main Vermont rules regarding smoke alarms in rentals are found in the Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Statute, 9 V.S.A. § 4480 and the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code.^[1][2]

If you are having trouble getting your landlord to comply, you may also seek help from the local health officer or the Vermont Division of Fire Safety. Disputes related to tenant-landlord responsibilities, including safety requirements, are handled by the Vermont Superior Court - Civil Division.

Tip: If a smoke alarm is not working and the landlord does not fix it after written notice, renters can contact the local health officer or file a formal housing safety complaint.

What to Do If a Smoke Alarm Doesn't Work

Replace the batteries and test the alarm. If it still won’t work, inform your landlord immediately in writing.
If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable timeframe, complete the Vermont Rental Housing Health Code Complaint Form and submit it to the local health officer.
If an urgent fire hazard exists, also contact the Vermont Division of Fire Safety.

This process helps you stay safe and compliant with your duties as a Vermont renter.

FAQs: Vermont Smoke Alarm Rules for Renters

What should I do if my smoke alarm keeps beeping? Replace the batteries. If it persists, inform your landlord. If they don't respond in a reasonable time, use the Rental Housing Health Code Complaint Form.
Can my landlord enter my apartment to check smoke alarms? Yes, Vermont law allows landlords to enter with proper notice to inspect or maintain smoke alarms as part of their safety obligations.^[2]
What if my rental does not have the required number of smoke detectors? Notify the landlord in writing. If not fixed, contact your local health officer or file a complaint with the Vermont Department of Health.
Who pays for new smoke alarms if one stops working? The landlord is responsible for providing working alarms. Tenants should replace batteries but report faulty alarms to the landlord for replacement.
Where can I find the official rules for rental smoke alarms in Vermont? The best official references are the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code and Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Statute.

Key Takeaways for Vermont Renters

Vermont law requires that every rental unit have working smoke detectors.
Landlords must install and provide working alarms; tenants must maintain them (like changing batteries) and report problems promptly.
Always keep records of communication about safety issues and use the appropriate complaint forms if repairs aren't made.

Your safety and rights as a renter matter. Stay proactive and know the official process for handling smoke alarm concerns in Vermont rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Vermont Rental Housing Health Code Complaint Form – Official form to report unaddressed health and safety violations.
Vermont Division of Fire Safety – File urgent safety complaints or get fire code guidance.
Vermont Superior Court - Civil Division – Handles rental disputes and tenancy issues.
Vermont Residential Rental Agreements Law (9 V.S.A. § 4480) – Full statute text on landlord and tenant duties.
Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code – Full state building and fire safety requirements.

See the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code (State of Vermont Division of Fire Safety, accessed 2024).
Vermont Statutes Annotated, Title 9, Chapter 137: Residential Rental Agreements § 4480 (Vermont Legislature, accessed 2024).