August 29, 2025

1. Local Legal Snapshot: Staunton & Harrisonburg Smoke Alarm Mandates

According to the Virginia Code § 15.2‑922, localities—including Staunton and Harrisonburg—are empowered to require smoke alarms in any building with one or more dwelling units, as well as hotels, motels, and rooming houses. View Fire Codes for Rockingham County (Harrisonburg, VA).

A review of Harrisonburg’s municipal code confirms this authority: smoke detectors must be installed in all buildings containing one or more dwelling units. And, view the Smoke Detector Ordinances.

While specific details for Staunton weren’t found publicly, cities in Virginia typically follow the statewide building and fire prevention codes, meaning Staunton likely aligns similarly.

2. 2025 Virginia Residential Code Updates (2021 Code Now in Force)

Effective January 18, 2025, the 2021 Virginia Residential Code became mandatory statewide, replacing earlier versions. Key provisions include:

• Required Smoke Alarm Locations:
  
  • Inside each sleeping room.
    
  • Outside each sleeping area (e.g., in hallways).
    
  • On every level of the home, including basements.
    
• Ceiling Height Considerations: Smoke alarms must be installed in hallways serving bedrooms even when adjacent ceilings exceed hallway height by more than 24 inches.
  
• Bathroom Clearance Rule: Alarms should not be installed within 3 feet of a bathroom door to avoid false activations ICC Digital Codes.
  

3. Virginia Rental Property Requirements: Landlords & Tenants

Virginia law mandates landlords to:

• Provide tenants with a written certificate—at lease start, renewal, or annually—attesting that all smoke alarms are installed, inspected, and in working condition.
  
• Perform repairs within five days if a tenant reports an alarm malfunction.
  
• Tenants are responsible for interim maintenance—like testing and battery replacement—unless the alarm is located in a common area. View the Virginia Code.
  

This transparency ensures both parties are aware and accountable.

4. Code Compliance Corner: Safety Beyond Just Installation

Fairfax County’s June 2025 compliance bulletin reminds homeowners:

• Smoke alarms must remain capable of alerting occupants—simply installing them isn’t enough.
  
• Ensure egress routes (hallways, exits) aren’t blocked.
  
• Windows and doors intended for escape should open easily—without keys or excessive force.
  
• Basement bedroom windows must be operable from the inside, even if they have bars or grates 2025 Fairfax County Code.
  

These form critical elements of a truly safe, code-compliant home.

5. Homeowner Action Plan: Be Prepared, Be Safe

6. Why Hawk Security Is Your Trusted Compliance Partner

• Local Expertise: We know Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Virginia fire codes inside-out.
  
• Code-Compliant Installations: Whether it’s advanced smoke alarms or monitored systems, we install to meet or exceed standards.
  
• Documentation Support: Tailored certificates and inspection records—great for landlords and property managers.
  
• System Integration: Want smoke detection tied into your broader security or smart home system? We’ve got you covered.
  

7. Your Next Steps

Ensure your home or rental is both safe and compliant:

• Schedule a free smoke alarm safety and code audit with Hawk Security.
  
• Ask about monitored alarms, which notify emergency services even when you’re not home—boosting peace of mind.
  

Let’s make 2025 the year your home leads in safety and compliance.

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