This page provides a practical placement and certification checklist for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in Virginia rental properties.
It is intended as a quick reference for owners and managers verifying compliance and inspection readiness.
For the broader insurance and liability implications of smoke alarm placement, see Why Every Bedroom Needs a Smoke Alarm.
For analysis of the legal gray area under Virginia Code § 55.1-1220 and why professional managers install bedroom alarms regardless, see The Virginia Smoke Alarm Gray Area.
Table of Contents
What This Checklist Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
Statewide Requirements Under the VRLTA
Smoke Alarm Placement Requirements (Building Code)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Requirements
Replacement Intervals and Device Lifespans
Power Sources and Interconnection Basics
Owner vs. Resident Responsibilities
Move-In and Annual Certification Checklist
Common Troubleshooting Notes
Next Steps
What This Checklist Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
This page covers:
Minimum placement locations for smoke and CO alarms
Annual certification requirements
Replacement timing and basic device standards
Owner and resident responsibilities
This page does not cover:
Insurance or liability analysis
Legal interpretation disputes
Cost-benefit arguments
Strategy or enforcement scenarios
Those topics are addressed in the linked pillar articles above.
Statewide Requirements Under the VRLTA
Virginia’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) requires landlords to:
Provide an annual written certification stating that all smoke alarms are present, inspected, and in working order
Ensure alarms are maintained in operable condition
Respond to reported malfunctions within required timeframes
The annual inspection may be performed by the landlord, property manager, staff, or a qualified contractor. Records should be retained.
Smoke Alarm Placement Requirements (Building Code)
Under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC, incorporating IRC § R314.3), smoke alarms are required in the following locations:
Inside each sleeping room (bedroom)
Outside each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms
On every level of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics
At least 3 feet horizontally from bathrooms containing a tub or shower, unless placement would prevent required coverage
These placement standards are used by inspection services and form the baseline for certification.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Requirements
Code-Based Triggers
CO alarms are generally required when a dwelling has:
Fuel-burning appliances (gas, oil, propane)
Fireplaces
Attached garages
Placement is typically:
Outside sleeping areas
On each level containing bedrooms or fuel-burning equipment
Tenant-Request Requirement (VRLTA)
Separately, Virginia law provides that:
Upon written request from a tenant, the landlord must install a CO alarm within 90 days
A reasonable fee may be charged to recover equipment and labor costs
Installed devices must meet USBC standards
Replacement Intervals and Device Lifespans
Industry standards and manufacturer guidance generally recommend:
Smoke alarms: Replace every 10 years (check date stamped on device)
CO alarms: Replace every 5–7 years, depending on model
Alarms that chirp, malfunction, or fail testing should be replaced regardless of age.
Power Sources and Interconnection Basics
Existing Properties
Battery-powered alarms are commonly permitted
10-year sealed battery units are widely used and accepted
Rewiring is not automatically required unless triggered by renovation
New Construction or Major Renovation
Hardwired alarms with battery backup
Interconnection so all alarms sound when one is triggered
Wireless interconnected battery alarms may be used where permitted.
Owner vs. Resident Responsibilities
Owner / Property Manager
Install alarms in required locations
Replace expired or malfunctioning devices
Provide annual smoke-alarm certification
Maintain records of inspections and replacements
Resident
Test alarms during occupancy (monthly recommended)
Do not remove, disable, or tamper with alarms
Promptly report malfunctions or chirping
Move-In and Annual Certification Checklist
Use this list during onboarding and annual reviews:
Confirm smoke alarms in:
Every bedroom
Outside sleeping areas
Every level of the home
Test each alarm
Replace expired devices
Install CO alarms where required or requested
Issue and file annual VRLTA smoke-alarm certification
Document device locations, dates, and replacements
Common Troubleshooting Notes
Chirping: Often indicates low battery or end-of-life
False alarms: May be caused by steam, dust, or placement too close to kitchens/bathrooms
Non-responsive alarms: Check expiration date and replace if needed
CO alerts: Treat seriously; follow emergency guidance and investigate fuel-burning sources
Next Steps
This checklist is intended to support consistent placement, inspection, and documentation.
For a broader view of how alarm compliance fits into preventive maintenance, inspections, and recordkeeping, see our Maintenance and Property Inspections Framework.
Disclaimer
This checklist is provided for educational and reference purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Virginia statutes, building codes, and local ordinances may vary and are subject to change. Property owners should consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to their property.
