On November 8, 2012, Milwaukee’s Common Council passed a revised smoke alarm ordinance by a vote of 13 to 2.
Effective June 1, 2013, all battery-operated smoke alarm must be powered by 10-year or more non-removable (sealed) batteries. Compliance with this requirement must be met when replacing any current battery operated smoke alarm after June 1st next year or by October 1, 2017 — whichever is sooner. The AASEW was successful in getting the effective date of the revised ordinance delayed so as to allow landlords some additional time to use up their current supply of non-sealed smoke alarms.
The remainder of the ordinance which requires a “hush button” be present on the smoke alarm if it is located within 20 feet of the kitchen and the requirement of annual testing and recording of when the testing occurred and by whom, remained unchanged.
#1 by Keith and Kinsey's Real Estate Update on November 12th, 2012
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I am actually a little surprised Milwaukee is just now getting this requirement and that they are allowing so long to comply. It can definitely be a big expense to large complexes. Although tenant safety is well worth it. Here are the requirements we got in Madison a couple years ago: http://keithandkinsey.wordpress.com/2010/12/21/protect-your-home-and-your-family/
#2 by Dennis on November 12th, 2012
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I am assuming that the existing smoke detectors that have replaceable batteries will no longer be acceptable under this new law even though you can put in a 10 year battery, there is no way to make them non-removable. I have not seen any smoke detectors out in the market that fit this description that come with 10 year sealed batteries. With the average cost of (replaceable battery) smoke detectors at about $25, I am sure the new ones that will be required would cost at least twice as much. Average cost to replace existing smoke detectors for a two bedroom unit would be about $200-$250.
I very much understand the need for this although I am not comfortable with the cost. I have tenants who repeatedly remove the batteries usually because they beep due to low battery levels.
#3 by Dennis on November 12th, 2012
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If anyone knows of a source where one can purchase these units (in case quantities) please post.
#4 by Tristan R. Pettit, Esq. on November 13th, 2012
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Dennis — Your assumption is correct in my view as even if you put a 10 year battery in a currently legal smoke alarm it would not be sealed.
I also have not yet seen such smoke alarms but I am sure they are out there.
While I understand the motivation with the ordinance some tenants will still disassemble the unit (as it contains an ingredient used to make crystal meth) and others will remove the entire alarm when they are cooking if they dont understand the function of the hush button
T
#5 by John H. (Dr. Rent) Fischer on November 15th, 2012
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Does the new ordinance create any types of fines or penalties that would apply to a unit occupant for removing or disabling the smoke detector?
#6 by Tristan R. Pettit, Esq. on November 16th, 2012
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What do you think, John? Of course not. That would be too fair.
T
#7 by Catina on December 13th, 2012
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http://kidde.reachlocal.com/?scid=2727837&kw=626128&pub_cr_id=24082102811
Home Depot has them.