Massachusetts § 26E - Residential buildings or structures; installation of smoke detectors
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 26E — Residential buildings or structures; installation of smoke detectors, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26E. Residential buildings or structures; installation of smoke detectors
Section 26E. (a) All one and two family dwellings occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and not regulated by section twenty-six A or twenty-six B shall be equipped with approved smoke detectors. Owners of such buildings or structures shall install either an approved monitored battery powered smoke detector or an approved primary power smoke detector on each level of habitation and on the basement level; provided, however, that the head of the fire department shall allow the installation of approved monitored battery powered smoke detectors. Such approved smoke detectors shall be installed in the following manner; an approved smoke detector shall be installed on the ceiling of each stairway leading to the floor above, near the base of, but not within each stairway and an approved smoke detector shall be installed outside each separate sleeping area.
(b) Buildings or structures occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and containing not less than three nor more than five units and not regulated by section twenty-six A, twenty-six B or twenty-six C shall be equipped with approved smoke detectors. 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.
(c) For the purposes of this section, approved primary power shall mean an alternating current primary source of electric power furnished by an electric power or light company municipally operated or operating under the authority of the department of telecommunications and energy which is the primary source of electricity or is a secondary source but is permanently wired thereto and will become operational upon the failure of the primary source of power.
(d) The head of the fire department shall enforce the provisions of this section. The provisions of section thirty shall not apply to this section.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 26E
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 26E cover?
Section 26E ("Residential buildings or structures; installation of smoke detectors") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 26E?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 26E" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 26E apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.