All states have laws (statutes) that require landlords to install and maintain smoke detectors in leased residential premises (apartments, homes).

Some states such as Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Vermont require photoelectric or ionization sensors—at least in new construction. And Oregon requires smoke detectors with a HUSH mechanism that allows the alarm to be silenced or temporarily desensitized for 7 minutes while a known condition such as cooking is causing the alarm to activate.

Most states also require landlords to install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors in leased residential premises. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are widely available in the same device.

In Alaska, state statutes require landlords to install and maintain smoke detectors in leased residential premises. Alaska Statute 18.70.095 mandates that smoke detectors be installed in all dwelling units, and they must be maintained in working order. While Alaska law does not specify the type of smoke detector technology to be used (such as photoelectric or ionization), it does require that the devices be approved by the state fire marshal. Additionally, Alaska Statute 18.70.075 requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in dwellings that have or are attached to a garage, or that contain a carbon monoxide source. This includes leased residential premises. Landlords are responsible for the installation of these detectors, and they must ensure that the devices are operational at the beginning of each tenancy. Tenants are responsible for the maintenance of the detectors during their tenancy, including replacing batteries.