Cal. Civ. Code § 26I
Multiple dwelling units; new construction; automatic sprinkler systems
Operative Text
Section 26I. In a city, town or district which accepts the provisions of this section, any building hereafter constructed or hereafter substantially rehabilitated so as to constitute the equivalent of new construction and occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and containing not less than four dwelling units including, but not limited to, lodging houses, boarding houses, fraternity houses, dormitories, apartments, townhouses, condominiums, hotels, motels and group residences, shall be equipped with an approved system of automatic sprinklers in accordance with the provisions of the state building code. In the event that adequate water supply is not available, the head of the fire department shall permit the installation of such other fire suppressant systems as are prescribed by the state building code in lieu of automatic sprinklers. Owners of buildings with approved and properly maintained installations may be eligible for a rate reduction on fire insurance.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26I establishes that in any municipality that has adopted this section, newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated residential buildings with four or more dwelling units must be fitted with an approved automatic sprinkler system meeting state building code standards. The requirement covers a broad range of residential building types, from apartments and condominiums to dormitories and hotels. Where adequate water supply is unavailable, an alternative fire suppression system approved under the state building code may be substituted, and buildings with compliant, properly maintained systems may qualify for reduced fire insurance rates.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26I, operators of newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated residential properties with four or more units in adopting municipalities generally ensure that an approved automatic sprinkler system is designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the state building code before occupancy. Where a water supply limitation exists, compliant operators work with the local fire department head to arrange an approved alternative suppression system. Maintaining a properly functioning installation may also open the door to fire insurance rate reductions, so operators typically keep documentation of system approvals and maintenance records.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26I gives residents of qualifying buildings in adopting municipalities a basis to expect that their building is equipped with a code-compliant fire suppression system. If a tenant has reason to believe a required sprinkler or alternative suppression system is absent or improperly maintained, general enforcement paths include contacting the local fire department or building department, which have oversight roles under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations and local housing agencies can also help residents understand whether their municipality has adopted § 26I and what options may be available to address a potential violation.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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