Is it required by the state of ohio for landlords to keep smoke detectors in their rental properties?

[barnett]

i have a question about regulations pertaining to fire dectectors for landlords in the state of ohio. my family and i recently lost everything we had in a house fire this past november infact if we would not have woken up because our boys were crying i would not be here typing this to you, and when my husband went back in to get our boys if he had passed out i wouldn't have the three of them. we did not have renters insurance and lost everything it was a complete loss, now the insurance company of our old landlord is sueing us for damages from the fire and all causes were undetermined by the fire department the fire chief even stated in the paper that the home did not have smoke detectors is there a law in the state of ohio that requires him to have had smoke detectors in the home?

[gwynethpaltrow8]

There should be but I don't know. Since you woke up there was no harm in not having them so it doesn't seem to matter.

If you didn't cause the fire I don't see why they would sue you for the damages. Too bad you didn't have renters insurance but that would only cover your things not the building.

My brother had a house with no insurance except to cover the mortgage. When it burned they lost everything and 3 of the children so at least you got to keep your kids. I know it is hard to start over but you have that done now so just let them take you to court if they want and show up and say you didn't cause the fire. They would need to prove their case.

[delron]

Ohio Landlord Tenant Law is sourced below, you may want to refer to that for your question. I can't find a specific statement regarding smoke detectors, but there are probably state laws that require them. It does state "(1) Comply with the requirements of all applicable building, housing, health, and safety codes that materially affect health and safety."

Contact your local housing authority, they will probably have a definite answer for you. Good luck, I'm glad you still have your family. Was the fire caused by your negligence? Or was it a faulty appliance? If it was caused by you or your family, I don't think you will have much of a defense.

[gilleabart]

You can find the State of Ohio fire code here:

https://www2.iccsafe.org/states/ohiofire/