14 DCMR § 14-904
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Operative Text
904.1 The operator of each housing business shall maintain in an operable condition all required fire alarm systems. 904.2 The operator of each housing business shall provide and maintain informative signs concerning the operation of the local fire alarm system at each striking station. 904.3 Each operator shall post and maintain signs referring to fires in accordance with section F-104.3 of Article 1 of the Fire Prevention Code of 1986, 12 DCMR § F104.3. 904.4 Each owner or operator of a housing business shall install smoke detectors and comply with the requirements of the Smoke Detector Act of 1978 (D.C. Law 2-81).
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-904, housing operators in the District of Columbia are required to keep fire alarm systems in working order, post informational signs at each alarm striking station, display fire-related notices as specified by the District's Fire Prevention Code, and install smoke detectors in compliance with the Smoke Detector Act of 1978. The rule applies to operators of housing businesses and covers both the physical equipment and the informational signage that supports safe evacuation. Together, these requirements establish a baseline of fire-safety infrastructure that must be continuously maintained, not just installed once.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to § 14-904 of D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. generally keep all required fire alarm systems tested and functional, ensure that instructional signs are posted and legible at every alarm striking station, and display fire-related notices consistent with D.C. Fire Prevention Code § F-104.3. Compliant operators also verify that smoke detectors are installed and meet the standards set out in the Smoke Detector Act of 1978. Routine inspection logs and maintenance records can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with each of these distinct obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in housing subject to D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-904 have an interest in confirming that their building's fire alarm systems are operational, that informational signs are posted at alarm stations, and that working smoke detectors are present as required by the Smoke Detector Act of 1978. If any of these elements appear to be missing or non-functional, tenants may have grounds to report the condition to the District of Columbia's housing inspection authorities or to raise the deficiency in relevant housing proceedings. Tenant-rights organizations in the District can help residents understand what remedies or complaint processes may be available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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