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 Hawaii, state statutes require landlords to install and maintain smoke detectors in all leased residential premises. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 132D-10 mandates that all dwelling units must be equipped with smoke detectors in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and the national fire protection association standards. The law applies to any new construction as well as existing residential units. Additionally, Hawaii's Act 224, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, requires that all rental units must have smoke alarms with a sealed battery containing a long-life battery and a hush feature, similar to Oregon's requirement for a 'HUSH' mechanism. As for carbon monoxide detectors, Hawaii does not have a specific statute that requires the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in residential dwellings. However, it is generally advisable for landlords to consider the safety benefits of installing such devices, especially if the rental property has appliances or systems that could potentially emit carbon monoxide.