April 16, 2026
Safety First: What Homeowners and Buyers Should Know About Smoke Alarms, CO Detectors, & Water Heater Strapping*
Whether you’re preparing to sell, refinance, or purchase a home, safety requirements are an important part of the process. Three of the most common items that come up during inspections and appraisals are carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, and water heater seismic strapping. Please note that requirements for each of these can vary slightly from state to state.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are required in all residential properties and must typically be installed:
- Inside each bedroom
- Outside sleeping areas
- On every level of the home, including basements
They should be properly mounted (usually on ceilings or high on walls), functional, and equipped with fresh batteries if not hardwired. Many states now require newer models with sealed 10-year batteries in certain situations, especially during a sale.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are typically required in homes that have:
- Gas appliances
- Fireplaces
- Attached garages
- Oil or propane heating systems
CO detectors are generally required outside sleeping areas and on each level of the home. These devices are critical because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, making early detection essential.
Water Heater Seismic Strapping / Anchoring
In areas prone to earthquakes, water heaters must be properly strapped or anchored to prevent tipping or rupturing during seismic activity. Typically, this means:
- Two metal straps securing the water heater to wall studs
- One strap in the upper third and one in the lower third of the tank
- Proper spacing from the top and bottom of the unit
Seismic strapping helps prevent gas leaks, flooding, and fire hazards in the event of ground movement.
Why This Matters
These items are often required for loan approval, insurance, and local building code compliance. Missing or improperly installed safety devices can delay closings or require repairs before funding.
If you’re preparing to buy or sell, it’s a good idea to review these items early to avoid last-minute surprises. A quick safety check today can help ensure a smoother transaction tomorrow — and most importantly, help protect your home and family.
| SMOKE ALARMS | |||
| Washington | Oregon | New Mexico | |
| Inside Bedrooms | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Outside Sleeping Areas | ✔ | ✔ (≤21 ft) | ✔ (hallway) |
| On Every Level | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hardwired – New Construction | ✔ Interconnected + battery backup | ✔ Interconnected + battery backup | ✔ Interconnected + battery backup |
| Rentals | Landlord installs | Required | Landlord installs & maintains |
| CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS | |||
| Washington | Oregon | New Mexico | |
| Required in Residential Units | ✔ All homes | ✔* Required where fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages are present | ✔* Required where fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages are present |
| Placement | Each level + outside each bedroom or sleeping area | Each level of the home and in each bedroom or within 15 feet of the bedroom door | Each level + outside sleeping areas in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms (or in the bedroom if there is a CO source located in the bedroom) |
| Triggered by Fuel Source? | ❌ No (always required) | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Rentals | Landlord installs | Required | Landlord installs & maintains |
| WATER HEATER SEISMIC STRAPPING/ANCHORING | |||
| Washington | Oregon | New Mexico | |
| Required | ✔ | ✔** (See below) | X – Not required but recommended |
| Strap Placement | Upper 1/3 + Lower 1/3 (lower ≥4″ above controls) | Upper 1/3 + Lower 1/3 | Upper 1/3 + Lower 1/3 (lower ≥4″ above controls) |
| Large Tank Rule | — | — | ≥75 gal = 3rd middle strap |
| Fastening Specs | ¼” x 3″+ lag screws w/ washers into studs OR ¼” expansion bolts into concrete | Standard seismic straps | ≥22-gauge metal straps w/ lag bolts into studs |
| Regional Exceptions | — | ❌ Not required in listed counties** | — |
| ** Not required in: Wasco, Jefferson, Deschutes, Crook, Sherman, Wheeler, Gilliam, Morrow, Grant, Harney, Umatilla, Union, Baker, Malheur, Wallowa. |
Source: Market Appraisals
*Please note that State Regulations and Appraisal Guidelines are updated regularly, and some Cities and Counties might have additional requirements.