State law dictates requirements for replacing detectors and detector batteries!
MoveZen policy may be more restrictive than state law in some cases.
Our policy largely follows NC law, linked below:
Review the NC law here
Review the SC law here
Quick Compliance Tips:
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Hardwired smoke detectors must be replaced with hardwired units.
Do not replace a hardwired detector with a battery-only version. -
All batteries must be replaced before a new tenant takes occupancy.
This applies to both smoke and CO detectors. -
Battery-only smoke detectors must be replaced with tamper-resistant, 10-year lithium units.
These are sealed units where the battery cannot be removed. -
CO detectors are required on every level of the home if the property has:
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An attached garage
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A fireplace (gas or wood-burning)
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Any fossil fuel-burning appliance (e.g., gas stove, furnace, or water heater)
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Highlights of the NC statute regarding smoke detectors:
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Installation: Landlords must provide operable smoke alarms in all rental units.
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Battery Requirements:
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At the start of a tenancy, landlords must install new batteries in battery-operated smoke alarms.
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Tamper-Resistant Alarms:
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For any new or replacement smoke alarms installed after December 31, 2012, landlords must use tamper-resistant, 10-year lithium battery alarms (meaning the battery cannot be removed) for any replacement of a fully battery operated detector.
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Exceptions:
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If the unit has a hardwired smoke alarm with a battery backup.
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If the unit has a combined smoke and CO alarm.
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Maintenance: Landlords must repair or replace faulty smoke alarms within 15 days of receiving written notice from the tenant.
Highlights of the NC statute regarding carbon monoxide (CO) detectors:
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Installation: Landlords must provide at least one operable CO alarm per level in rental units that have:
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Fossil fuel-burning heaters or appliances.
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Fireplaces.
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Attached garages.
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Standards: CO alarms must be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and comply with ANSI/UL2034 or ANSI/UL2075 standards.
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Battery Requirements:
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At the start of a tenancy, landlords must install new batteries in battery-operated CO alarms.
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Maintenance: Landlords must repair or replace faulty CO alarms within 15 days of receiving written notice from the tenant (however, MoveZen policy is 3 days).
MoveZen Policy on Combo Smoke/CO Detectors
While state law allows the use of combination smoke/CO detectors that do not have tamper-resistant features, MoveZen policy does not allow battery-only combo units as the sole form of detection in any property.
We require at least one detector in the home that cannot be disabled by battery removal—either a hardwired unit with battery backup or a tamper-resistant, 10-year lithium battery smoke detector.
This ensures that, even if a tenant removes the batteries from other units, there is still an operable, code-compliant device in place to protect life and property.
If you or your vendor is handling the work:
If you plan to personally replace any detectors or batteries—or use an independent vendor outside of MoveZen—you’ll need to sign a liability waiver confirming you understand and will comply with these requirements.
This helps protect you, your tenants, and your property!
A sample waiver is provided below.
Protect your property, your tenants, and your peace of mind
Ensuring your property is equipped with properly installed and compliant smoke and CO detectors not only protects your tenants—it also protects you from liability. Whether you’re managing replacements yourself or through a vendor, adherence to state law and MoveZen’s safety standards is essential. If you choose to handle this work independently, don’t forget to complete the required liability waiver.
We're here to support you every step of the way—please reach out with any questions!