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 Arkansas, state statutes require landlords to install and maintain smoke detectors in leased residential premises. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, which is based on the International Fire Code and the International Residential Code, mandates the installation of smoke detectors in all residential occupancies. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that smoke detectors are properly installed and operational at the beginning of each tenancy. Additionally, Arkansas law requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in all new construction of residential units and in existing units that undergo substantial alterations. While Arkansas does not specify the type of smoke detector technology to be used (such as photoelectric or ionization), it is important for landlords to comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of their tenants and to avoid legal liabilities.