Amends GS 42-42 to require a landlord installing a new smoke alarm or replacing an existing alarm after December 31, 2011, to install a 10-year lithium battery smoke alarm, unless the dwelling unit is equipped with a (1) hardwired smoke alarm with a battery backup or (2) smoke alarm combined with a carbon monoxide alarm that meets specified statutory requirements. Makes conforming changes. Also makes conforming changes to GS 42-43 (tenant to maintain dwelling unit) and GS 42-44 (general remedies, penalties, and limitations). Changes the term smoke detector to smoke alarm throughout the above mentioned statutes.
Amends GS 42-51 to allow a tenant’s security deposit to be used for damage or destruction of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm.
Effective December 31, 2011.