As a housing provider, you are responsible for ensuring that your properties meet all necessary safety standards. Recent changes to the laws in Illinois mean that you need to be aware of some important updates that went into effect in 2023. Here's what you need to know.

Sealed-Battery Smoke Alarms

Starting in 2023, all rental properties in Illinois must have sealed-battery smoke alarms installed. This means that the battery cannot be removed or tampered with by tenants, which will help ensure that the smoke alarms are always functioning properly.

Sealed-battery smoke alarms have been recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for several years. They are designed to last for 10 years, which means that landlords will not need to replace batteries every year. This is a cost-effective solution that will help ensure tenant safety.

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Increased Fines for Fire Protection Violations

Illinois has also increased fines for fire protection violations. The fines for failing to comply with fire safety requirements range from $500 to $1,000 per day. This means that failing to keep up with inspections and replacing smoke alarms could be quite costly.

As a landlord or homeowner, it's important to be aware of these changes and take action to ensure your property is in compliance. Failure to comply can put you at risk of legal action, which could be expensive and time-consuming.

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Staying Compliant

To avoid penalties and keep your tenants safe, it's important to stay compliant with Illinois's fire safety requirements. Here are a few key steps to take:

1. Install sealed-battery smoke alarms in all rental properties.
2. Test smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
3. Keep up with inspections and maintenance to ensure your property meets fire safety codes.
4. Train your tenants on fire safety and evacuation procedures.
5. Take action to address any fire safety violations immediately.

By taking these steps, you can stay compliant and avoid penalties, while also ensuring the safety of your tenants.  Want to have a property manager handle all this for you, we can.  Check out what you need to know about hiring a property manager.  Don't want or need a Property Manager now? Get housing provider tips weekly on the Straight Up Chicago Investor Podcast or YouTube page

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