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Does California have a law requiring landlords to provide a fire extinguisher in a rental unit?
Hi Cheryl, good question. California does not have a statewide law requiring a portable fire extinguisher inside each rental unit, but many cities and counties do require them in common areas of multifamily buildings, and some local ordinances go further, so the real answer depends on your local fire code. A quick call to your local fire marshal is worth it, since they are the authority that enforces it. Regardless of the letter of the law, the practical move is to place a serviced ABC-rated extinguisher in each unit, mounted and visible, with the inspection tag current, and document it. It is inexpensive protection against a small fire becoming a major loss. One related note: smoke and CO alarms are required statewide in California rentals, so make sure those are installed and tested as well.
