The landlord’s smoke-alarm duty
Yes. In California, landlords are required to provide working smoke alarms in rental homes. This is a specific legal duty, not just a suggestion.
Under California law (Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7), landlords must install approved smoke alarms and make sure they are working when a new tenant moves in. Smoke alarms must generally be placed in required locations, such as in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each level of the home.
After you move in, tenants are usually expected to do simple upkeep like testing the alarms and replacing batteries, and to tell the landlord if an alarm stops working. Once notified, the landlord must repair or replace a failed alarm.
A landlord cannot legally rent a home without the required working smoke alarms. If your rental is missing them, or the landlord ignores a report that one is broken, that is a real safety and habitability concern. A free, confidential review can explain your rights.
This is general information about California tenant rights, not legal advice. Every situation is different.