The Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) allows landlords to recover the purchase price and installation costs of smoke detectors in each unit and on the property at the rate of $3.00 per month for permanent electric smoke or combination smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. This is the only self-help cost recovery program a landlord can use without approval of the Department.

The smoke detector charge can be collected once a 30-day written notice has been provided to the tenant, along with the following information:

1. The cost of the detector(s).

2. The costs of installation.

3. The number of months the tenant will pay the charge.

4. The month and year the charge will begin and the month and year it will end.

This notice must be given to the tenant within two months of smoke detector installation. For more information download the RAC 340.00 Surcharges for Smoke Detectors or the Smoke Detector Bulletin.