Smoke Detector Requirements

Effective January 1st, 2025, we will be implementing the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 rules for smoke detectors. The new requirements are designed to improve safety for HCV participants. It is important to adhere to the new requirements to avoid failed inspections and/or delays in Leasing and payments.

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, has required as a minimum that smoke alarms be installed inside every sleep room (even for existing homes) in addition to requiring them outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. (Additional smoke alarms are required for larger homes.) Homes built to earlier standards often don't meet these minimum requirements. Homeowners and enforcement authorities should recognize that detection needs have changed over the years and take proactive steps make sure that every home has a sufficient complement of smoke alarms.

Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. (Installed within a hallway in the immediate vicinity of multiple bedrooms meets the requirement of "outside the bedroom(s)" and may meet the requirements of "on each level"
On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.
Smoke alarms installed in the basement should be installed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level.
Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.
Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Wall-mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling (to the top of the alarm).
If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm within 3 feet of the peak but not within the apex of the peak (four inches down from the peak).
- Smoke alarms should be maintained according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
- Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions are included in the package or can be found on the internet.
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
- Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
- When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer's list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer's instructions. Manufacturer's instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a
- different kind of battery is used.
- Should not be covered by a foreign object (plastic bag, shower cap, zip tie, paint, tape, etc.)
- Should not have stickers or other decorations attached
- Must produce an audio or visual alarm when tested
- Combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarms

Department of Housing and Urban Development (USHUD)

Standards no later than October 1, 2025.
Regardless of which inspection standards are used, PHAs are reminded that they must include compliance with the NSPIRE standards for carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms as they implement statutory mandates required by Congress. The carbon monoxide detectors requirement took effect and became an inspectable item on December 27, 2022. PHAs may directly follow the NSPIRE Carbon Monoxide standard or see Notice PIH 2022-01 for additional guidance on this requirement. For smoke alarms, PHAs are already required to comply with the Federal Fire Safety Act of 1992 and keep their HQS inspections current with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards, currently NFPA 72. Additional changes will take effect on December 29, 20245, requiring all smoke alarms be either hard wired or sealed, 10-year battery devices. The NSPIRE Smoke Alarm standard reflects current NFPA 72 and will be updated with the additional mandates by the statutory compliance date. PHAs may find it helpful to inform landlords of the upcoming changes and requirements as soon as possible.

PHAs that opt to retain HQS can continue to utilize previous HQS definitions and guidance.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, poisoning is the second most common cause of non-medicinal poisoning death. According to the CDC, over 100,000 people seek emergency treatment for accidental CO poisoning each year, and more than 420 people in the U.S. die from it.

Florida statue:
Requires that every dwelling unit shall be equipped with at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm in an operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes. Every structure that contains more than one dwelling unit shall contain at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm in operating condition within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.

Requires carbon monoxide alarms in dwellings and multi-unit residential buildings that have a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage.

Fore more information on NSPIRE, please click here, email Carmen Cain at ccain@hhahousing.org, or by calling 305.247.0639 ext. 133

New NSPIRE Inspection Protocol
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is implementing the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) as a replacement to the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). NSPIRE has NEW requirements that The Housing Authority of the City of Homestead will implement with all inspections beginning June 1st, 2025. This notice provides important information to help you prepare for these changes and avoid delays in the inspection process. Read more here.

Thank you for your efforts to ensure compliance with the Federal standards. Your continued partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Homestead is appreciated and contributes positively to our community. For more information about NSPIRE, please click here, or email Carmen Cain at ccain@hhahousing.org, you can also call 305.247.0639 ext. 133