W. Tisbury, Mass., Bylaws (Alarms, Smoke/Heat Detectors) § Alarms, Smoke/Heat Detectors
Alarms, Smoke/Heat Detectors
Operative Text
Apartment houses containing six or more dwelling units, hotels, boarding or lodging houses, or family hotels which are not regulated by Section 26A and 26B must be equipped with an automatic Smoke or Heat Detector in each dwelling unit and each hallway floor. The head of the fire department, as defined in section one, shall enforce the provisions of this section. Alarms, Smoke Detector Buildings and structures occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes must be equipped with approved smoke detectors within one year of the date of such acceptance.
West Tisbury's Alarms, Smoke/Heat Detectors bylaw establishes two overlapping requirements for residential buildings. Larger multi-unit properties—apartment houses with six or more units, hotels, boarding or lodging houses, and family hotels not already covered by Sections 26A and 26B—must have automatic smoke or heat detectors installed in every dwelling unit and on every hallway floor. Separately, any building used at least in part for residential purposes must have approved smoke detectors installed within one year of the bylaw's acceptance. The head of the fire department is designated as the enforcement authority for these requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties in West Tisbury should be aware that the Alarms, Smoke/Heat Detectors bylaw imposes detector requirements that vary by building type and size. Owners of apartment houses with six or more units, hotels, and similar lodging properties not covered by Sections 26A and 26B generally maintain automatic smoke or heat detectors in each unit and each hallway floor. Owners of any residential building—regardless of size—typically ensure that approved smoke detectors are in place within the one-year window established by the bylaw, as the fire department head is empowered to enforce compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under West Tisbury's Alarms, Smoke/Heat Detectors bylaw, tenants living in covered residential buildings have a right to expect functioning, approved smoke or heat detectors in their units and common hallway areas. If detectors appear to be missing or non-functional, tenants can document the condition and report the concern to the West Tisbury fire department, which is the designated enforcement authority under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations or local housing offices can also help residents understand what options may be available when a landlord has not met the detector 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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