Here are the Facts

If you are selling your home in Oregon, there are very specific smoke alarm requirements. You cannot sell a residential dwelling in Oregon without approved and properly placed smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. We advise our sellers to properly install all detectors before listing their home for sale so that contract requirements are met.

In accordance with the rules of the State Fire Marshall and applicable requirements of the state building code, there are provisions in the residential real estate sales agreement. These require a seller to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors within a specified number of days after a purchase and sale agreement has been fully executed.

Why should my home have smoke alarms?

Statistics show that you are more likely to survive a home fire if you have a working smoke alarm. You may have less than three minutes to escape a home if a fire breaks out therefore smoke alarms are very important. Smoke spreads fast, and smoke alarms alert you to the danger. They can give you the needed time to get out.

Are smoke alarms required when selling a home and where should they be installed?

Yes, they are required and a part of the residential purchase and sale agreements in Oregon. You may not convey fee title to any real property that includes a dwelling unit or lodging house, or transfer possession of any dwelling unit or lodging house unless there is a smoke detector or the required number of approved smoke alarms installed in accordance with the State Building Code and Rules of the State Fire Marshal. (ORS 479.260).

Smoke alarms and smoke detectors in dwelling units should be installed in each sleeping room as per the applicable requirements of the State Building Code at the time of construction. They should be installed in the corridor or area giving access to sleeping areas. Always install smoke alarms and smoke detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Where sleeping areas are located on an upper level, the smoke alarm or smoke detector shall be installed in an accessible location as close as practical to the center of the ceiling directly over the stairway. Where sleeping areas are widely separated (i.e., on different levels or opposite ends of the dwelling unit) and/or where a single smoke alarm or smoke detector will not adequately service all sleeping areas, a smoke alarm or smoke detector shall be installed adjacent to each sleeping area. (OAR 837-045-0050)

Installation Guidelines Summary

• Outside sleeping areas within 15 feet of all bedroom doors.
• One on each level of the home (including the basement).
• One in every bedroom, if required by the State Building Code at the time of construction.
• You should install all smoke detectors and alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Please give us a call with any questions or visit, Oregon.gov for more information.