To Save a Life: Smoke Detectors and the Law in Massachusetts

摘要

The effectiveness of Massachusetts' laws regarding the installation of smoke detectors is examined. The report is based on the results of a survey of 500 renter households as well as the results of interviews with officials from fire departments throughout the state. It was found that many tenants are without adequate legal protection and that there is uneven enforcement of the laws that have been enacted. Uniform support for comprehensive statewide regulations and/or legislation was found. It is recommended that regulations mandate the installation of smoke alarms. In addition, because almost half of the landlords of rental units in Massachusetts have failed to install smoke alarms, it is suggested that voluntary compliance by landlords is not sufficient to protect the lives of the tenants.