Start a new topic

smoke detectors

I recently discovered renters had removed the batteries in their smoke alarms. How should I handle this?

This is a difficult situation. I have had tenants do the same thing. I went two different routes, because I knew they would contnue to remove the batteries. First, I switched some units over to lifetime battery units, where the battery cannot be removed. The marginally more expensive detectors quickly paid for themselves in aggravation! Secondly, in a newer unit, I had the detectors hard-wired into the electric system. Again, the expense pays for itself!
There are tamper proof smoke detectors out there. The other option is to hardwire. Unfortunately - if a tenant wants to destruct, a tenant is going to destruct. I include in my lease that tenant may not tamper with any smoke detector or fire prevention equipment.
or force them to carry and prove that they carry your fire insurance!
Login to post a comment