The duty of a landlord to supply a smoke alarm.

Smoke detectors properly installed and maintained can reduce fire deaths and injuries. There are two types of smoke detectors; Ionization, and photoelectric smoke detector available for residential use. They might be battery powered or hard wired, with or without a backup battery.

Ionization Smoke Detectors

The majority of residential detectors are ionization detectors. They respond more quickly to the presence of numerous small particles, such as those produced by a flaming or fast fire.

Photoelectric Detectors

Photoelectric detectors use beam of light directed into a chamber. Smoke particles enter the chamber and interfere with the light activing the alarm.They are well suited for areas subject to fires such as kitchens. They minimize unwanted alarms from cooking or humidity.

Combination Smoke Detectors

Combination smoke detectors include both ionization and photoelectric sensors in a single unit. Texas requires this type of unit.

A Texas statue places a duty on the landlord to install smoke detector or alarms, Property Code, Section 92.255 et seq This statute applies to all types of of residential rental housing including mobile homes. It is the duty of the landlord before you move in to install and test the smoke detector. The smoke detector must be designed to detect both the visible and invisible products of a fire.

It is important to determine type of smoke detector in your unit. The importance of knowing the type of smoke detector is that they detect different types of fires, some are better at detecting fast hot fires and other detect slow smoldering fires. The difference may mean the difference in life or death in the event of a fire. You have the right to know what type of smoke detector was installed and it's characteristics. The most common failures of smoke detectors are improper installation, improper location and improper maintenance. If you have a question about whether your unit is properly equipped contact the local fire department. They will generally inspect the detector on request.

If you a victim of a fire, try to learn what type of smoke alarm was installed, where it was installed, by whom and operating condition.

For more information about smoke detectors, visit:

http://products.howstuffworks.com/smoke-carbon-monoxide-detector-reviews.htm

For more information on fire prevention, visit:

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/fire/fmpo.html

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Mitchell, Goff & Mitchell, L.L.P.

10440 North Central Expressway

Dallas, Texas 75231

214 651 8218