Missing or dead smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are some of the most common items on a Los Angeles correction notice, a rental inspection report, or a buyer’s inspection. They’re also some of the cheapest and fastest things to fix, as long as the right alarms go in the right places. Here’s what City of Los Angeles and LA County inspectors generally look for, and how to clear the item without a second trip.

Why alarms show up on so many notices

Alarms come up in several different situations, and the same missing detector can stall each of them:

• Permit final inspections. LA County’s building division tells its inspectors to verify that smoke and CO alarms are properly installed before a permit for an alteration, repair or addition is finalized. Even a small remodel can trigger the check.
• Rental inspections. The Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD) has reminded owners of rental units that California law (Health and Safety Code 17926) requires CO alarms in qualifying dwellings.
• Home sales. Buyers, lenders and home inspectors routinely flag missing or expired alarms, and the item often lands on a repair request during escrow.
• Complaint inspections. If an inspector is already in the unit for another issue, alarms are an easy item to note.

Which homes need carbon monoxide alarms

According to an LAHD bulletin, state CO alarm requirements have applied to single-family homes since July 1, 2011, and to multi-family buildings with rental units since January 1, 2013. LA County’s guidance applies the requirement to existing dwelling units that have an attached garage opening into the home, fuel-burning appliances such as a gas stove, furnace or water heater, or a fireplace.

LAHD notes that homes that are all-electric and have no attached garage are generally exempt. If you aren’t sure whether your property qualifies, check the wording on your notice or ask the inspector named on it. That’s faster than guessing.

Where the alarms need to go

Placement is where most corrections fail. Based on LA County’s published inspection guidance, inspectors typically look for:

• Smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area near the bedrooms, and on every story, including basements and habitable attics.
• CO alarms outside each sleeping area near the bedrooms and on every occupiable level, including basements. A CO alarm is also needed inside a bedroom if a fuel-burning appliance is in that bedroom or its attached bathroom.
• Clearances from things that cause false alarms. Smoke alarms shouldn’t sit too close to a bathroom with a tub or shower, a cooking appliance, HVAC supply registers or ceiling fan blades. The County guidance lists the exact distances, so check them before you drill.

LAHD also notes that a CO alarm doesn’t replace an existing smoke alarm. A listed combination smoke/CO unit can satisfy both requirements in one location.

Battery or hardwired?

This depends on what triggered the requirement. LAHD’s bulletin explains that existing buildings may generally use battery-powered CO alarms. New construction and newly permitted work are expected to have hardwired alarms. If you’re pulling a permit for a remodel, addition or garage conversion, plan on hardwiring and interconnecting the alarms in the work area unless your plan checker or inspector tells you otherwise.

Whatever you install, use alarms approved and listed by the California State Fire Marshal. LAHD points out that state law prohibits selling CO devices that aren’t. Most hardware-store alarms carry the listing on the package, but no-name units bought online may not.

Self-certification in LA County

For some one- and two-family homes in unincorporated LA County, the inspector may allow the permit holder to certify the alarms instead of inspecting every room. This applies when the inspector can’t get access to the interior, and it’s only at the inspector’s discretion. The form is signed under penalty of perjury. If a licensed contractor holds the permit, both the contractor and the occupant sign, and the form is uploaded to EPIC-LA for approval. Because you’re signing a sworn statement, make sure every alarm is actually installed and working before you sign.

What to do next

1. Read the notice or report closely. Note which units, rooms or levels are listed and the deadline for correction.
2. Walk every level. Check each bedroom, each hallway outside the bedrooms, and the basement or attic if they’re habitable. Press the test button and look for a manufacture or replace-by date on the back of each unit.
3. Identify fuel-burning appliances and attached garages. These decide whether CO alarms are required and where they go.
4. Install listed alarms in the right locations. Hardwire them if the work is part of a permit, and keep receipts and photos of each alarm and its label.
5. Schedule the re-inspection or final. Follow the instructions on your notice and contact the agency that issued it if you need more time. Don’t let the deadline pass quietly.

Alarms are often only one line on a longer correction list. If your notice also lists electrical, water heater, stair or structural items, it usually makes sense to clear everything in one visit.

Got a correction notice or failed inspection? Barrett Construction & Co. is a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1143676) serving Los Angeles County. We handle smoke and CO alarm installs along with the rest of your correction list, and se habla español. Send us your notice for a free assessment → or call (213) 851-5493.