Franklin, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 85 § 85-2
Approved smoke detectors required in buildings containing three to five dwellings (Franklin Smoke Detectors, Installation of)
Operative Text
A. Buildings occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and containing not fewer than three nor more than five units, and not regulated by MGL c. 148, § 26A , 26B or 26C , shall be equipped with approved smoke detectors. B. Owners of such buildings or structures shall install either an approved monitored battery-powered smoke detector or an approved primary-power smoke detector outside each separate sleeping area; provided, however, that the head of the Fire Department shall allow the installation of approved monitored battery-powered smoke detectors; and provided further that in all common hallways and basements of said residential buildings or structures a series of interconnected approved primary-power smoke detectors shall be installed.
Franklin, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 85 § 85-2 establishes smoke detector requirements for residential buildings containing between three and five dwelling units that fall outside the scope of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 148, Sections 26A, 26B, and 26C. These buildings must be fitted with approved smoke detectors placed outside each separate sleeping area, using either monitored battery-powered or primary-power models as permitted by the Fire Department. Additionally, common hallways and basements in these buildings must have a series of interconnected approved primary-power smoke detectors installed throughout.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of three-to-five-unit residential buildings in Franklin covered by CH. 85 § 85-2 are generally expected to ensure that approved smoke detectors are installed outside every separate sleeping area in each unit, selecting between monitored battery-powered or primary-power models in coordination with the head of the Fire Department. Compliant operators also maintain a series of interconnected approved primary-power smoke detectors throughout all common hallways and basements. Keeping documentation of detector installations, model approvals, and any Fire Department authorizations is a practice commonly associated with ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in three-to-five-unit residential buildings in Franklin may have protections under CH. 85 § 85-2, which requires owners to install approved smoke detectors outside sleeping areas and interconnected primary-power detectors in shared hallways and basements. If a tenant believes these detectors are absent or non-compliant, general enforcement paths include contacting the Franklin Fire Department or local code enforcement office to report the concern. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options may be available when a building appears to fall short of these requirements.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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