In a nutshell, as of July 1, 2024, all US smoke detector manufacturers must manufacture their smoke detector requirements to a new stricter level. That level includes the following: How can one tell the difference between the pre-2024 smoke detectors and this new standard? Look for new packaging referencing this new standard. Also, all July […]
New National Smoke Detector Standards Read More »
Your smoke detectors work great until one day or night they go off for no reason, and why is that? Here are the most common reasons smoke detectors trigger a false alarm, and usually at the worst time. Not worth the risk of having no correctly working smoke detector for you and your family –
5 Common Smoke Detector False Alarms Read More »
When selling a home in the city of Los Angeles, El Sereno area, the following items should be checked by a independent third party retrofitter for full compliance. This ensures all parties, including sellers, agents and their brokers, will be covered in case of problems after the close of escrow. El Sereno is located in
El Sereno Retrofit (Code Compliance) Requirements When Selling Read More »
ORDINANCE NO. 01-592 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD AMENDING THE PLUMBING CODE TO REQUIRE THE INSTALLATION OF APPROVED SEISMIC GAS SHUTOFF VALVES IN CERTAIN STRUCTURES AND AMENDING THE WEST HOLLYWOOD MUNICIPAL CODE. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST HOLLYWOOD DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Findings.
WEHO Earthquake Shut Off Valve Ordinance 01-592 Read More »
For 2026, as for previous years, landlords must adhere to state mandated rules for smoke detectors in all types of rental units. This includes detached homes, condos, townhomes and apartments. Requirements – Working battery type or hard wired smoke detectors in each bedroom, bedroom hallway and one each living level of the rental unit. For
2026 California Smoke Detector Rule for Lease and Rental Units Read More »
1 – Amazon – Top Pick – You can’t beat the price or convenience. All carbon monoxide detectors will be CA compliant, but not all smoke detectors. Make sure any smoke or combo detector that is powered solely by batteries must contain 10 year type batteries that are non-replaceable. 2- Home Depot – Any California
Where to Purchase California Compliant Smoke Detectors in 2026 Read More »
The LADWP COC – or certificate of compliance – is required when selling in the city of Los Angeles for all types of property. Instructions are provided on the certificate as to what it is and when it is to be used. The COC is only to be used with property in the city of
LADWP Certificate of Compliance – Blank and Printable Read More »
No need to buy new smoke detectors if you have good, working ones. Here, though, are simple ways to make sure you have safe detectors to save your life. You don’t always have to replace smoke detectors, but make sure you pay attention to them every few months – and you will sleep better at
6 Tips For Safe Smoke Detectors That May Just Save Your Life Read More »
Is it time to think about if your carbon monoxide, or CO, detector needs replacing? Here are five quick ways to tell if your detector should be replaced. Here is a quick explainer on what CO is and is not. Bottom line – when in doubt, install a new CO detector in your home, especially
5 Ways to Tell If Your CO Detector Needs Replacing Read More »
California state code requires that any community (two or more residences) water heater or boiler be required to be correctly strapped to prevent tip over in case of earthquake. Strapping is not required if the boiler or water heating system is incapable of tip over. The responsibility of correct strapping for a community condo water
Strapping of Community Condo Water Heaters and Boilers Read More »
Never a good idea, and here is why. When air supply and/or air return ducts are present in a room or space, the detector(s) should not be placed in the path of the air flow supply or return (NFPA 72-2007). Placement of detectors near air conditioning or incoming air vents can cause excessive accumulation of
Smoke Detectors Near Air Conditioning Vents and Ceiling Fans Read More »
When installing new smoke detectors in your home there are some places not to install any new smoke detector. These rules are also more or less the same for CO – carbon monoxide – detectors. Have questions how or where to install smoke detectors? Ask a question to us in the comment box below.
8 Worst Places to Locate Your Smoke Detectors Read More »
As of 2023, the Los Angeles City Council has designated thirty-five neighborhoods as HPOZs, ranging geographically from San Pedro to San Fernando and varying in size from two blocks to areas encompassing hundreds of structures. Additional proposed HPOZs are in the pipeline. In the city of Los Angeles, your non low flow toilet may be exempt if you
In a HPOZ? Your Water Conservation Fixtures May Be Exempt Read More »
In need of ‘glazing’ of your non-compliant slider glass dooring for the city of Los Angeles or elsewhere? Most slider doors these days are glazed, or tempered, to code for acceptable code compliance requirements for the city of Los Angeles and other jurisdictions that require safety glass or tempered glass on slider doors when selling.
Where to Get Your Slider Door Glazed Read More »
Below is a list of craftsmen, licensed contractors and general contractors who are referred to us, and hence referred by us, who reportedly ‘get the job done’ for a reasonable price and within a reasonable timeframe. Their coverage range may vary. Please ask for additional referrals, licensing, or credentials if required for your or your
Pro Contractor Referrals for Southern Californian Realtors and Their Clients Read More »