Springfield to require hard wired smoke detectors in rentals

Springfield Township is requiring all non-owner occupied residential properties to install an automatic fire alarm system consisting of either a hard wired smoke detector (licensed installer and permit required) or a centrally monitored alarm system (licensed installer and no permit required). Detectors need to be placed in each bedroom, in the hallway adjacent to a bedroom, and on each level of the building (including the basement). The township is requiring that this system be installed before December 2013. Upon installation, a certificate of installation, including date of installation, and the contact information of the installer must be provided to the township. According to the township, failure to comply with these requirements will result in the prohibition of issuance of a 2014 Annual Rental License. The Suburban Realtors Alliance is investigating the township’s authority to require hard-wired smoke detectors for existing residential properties.