Last updated 2026-07-24
TL;DR
Ohio tenants have the right to safe, habitable housing under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321, including working heat, water, and structural integrity. Landlords must give 30 days' written notice to terminate month-to-month leases, cannot evict without a court order, and must return security deposits within 30 days with an itemized statement. Tenants can withhold rent or use 'deposit as rent' if landlords fail to make critical repairs after notice.
What rights do tenants have under Ohio law?
Ohio tenants hold a bundle of statutory protections under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321, which governs residential landlord-tenant relationships statewide [1]. These rights apply whether or not a written lease exists, though a lease typically adds detail. Every tenant in Ohio has the right to premises that are safe and sanitary, a standard the law calls 'habitability' [1]. That means working plumbing and hot water, adequate heat, structural soundness, no pest infestations, and compliance with all housing and health codes. If a landlord fails to maintain habitability after receiving written notice, the tenant can deposit rent into an escrow account with the local court, withhold rent, or terminate the lease and move out [1]. Ohio law also protects tenants from retaliatory eviction. A landlord cannot evict, raise rent, or reduce services solely because a tenant complained to a housing inspector, joined a tenants' union, or exercised any legal right [1]. Retaliation claims must be proven in court, but the burden shifts to the landlord if the adverse action occurs within six months of the tenant's protected activity. Tenants without a written lease still hold every statutory right [1]. Ohio treats these as month-to-month tenancies under the same habitability, notice, and security deposit rules. The absence of a lease does not waive any protection in Chapter 5321. Finally, Ohio tenants have the right to receive their security deposit back within 30 days of move-out, along with an itemized list of any deductions [2]. If the landlord misses that deadline or fails to provide the list, the tenant can sue for double damages plus attorney fees [2].
What can a landlord look at during an inspection in Ohio?
Ohio law gives landlords the right to enter rental property for inspections, but only with reasonable notice and at reasonable times [1]. 'Reasonable notice' is not defined by statute; courts typically interpret it as 24 hours, and 'reasonable time' generally means business hours unless the tenant agrees otherwise. During an inspection, a landlord can examine anything visible and accessible: walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, plumbing fixtures, heating equipment, smoke detectors, and windows. The purpose must be legitimate: verifying habitability, checking for lease violations, showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, or making necessary repairs [1]. A landlord cannot rummage through closed drawers, cabinets, or personal belongings. The inspection right covers the condition of the property itself, not the tenant's private possessions. Ohio courts have held that landlords who exceed the scope of a reasonable inspection or who enter without proper notice may face claims for invasion of privacy or breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment [1]. If a city requires rental registration or periodic inspections (as do Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron under local ordinance), the landlord must coordinate those official inspections with the tenant and provide advance notice [3]. Many landlords perform a pre-inspection walk-through to catch issues before the city inspector arrives. RentalPermitPath's City Rental License & Inspection Prep Packet includes room-by-room checklists and notice templates to help landlords document conditions without overstepping tenant privacy. Emergency entry is the lone exception to the notice rule. If water is pouring through the ceiling or a fire alarm is sounding, the landlord can enter immediately to prevent harm [1]. But routine inspections, even for suspected lease violations, require advance notice.
What a landlord cannot do in Ohio
Ohio law draws bright lines around prohibited landlord conduct. A landlord cannot evict a tenant without a court order, period [1]. Self-help evictions are illegal: changing the locks, removing the tenant's belongings, shutting off utilities, or physically barring entry all violate Ohio Revised Code § 5321.15 and expose the landlord to liability for actual damages, a civil penalty of one month's rent plus attorney fees, and potential criminal charges [1]. A landlord cannot retaliate against a tenant for exercising legal rights [1]. If a tenant reports housing code violations to the city, withholds rent because the furnace has been broken for three weeks in January, or organizes other tenants, the landlord cannot respond by filing eviction, raising rent, or cutting off services. Ohio creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if the landlord takes adverse action within six months of the protected activity [1]. A landlord cannot refuse to return a security deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 days of move-out [2]. Doing so forfeits the right to withhold any of the deposit and opens the door to a lawsuit for double damages. Ohio courts have awarded double damages plus attorney fees even when the landlord eventually returned the money, because the statute makes the 30-day deadline strict [2]. A landlord cannot enter the rental unit without reasonable notice except in a genuine emergency [1]. Repeated unannounced visits, even during the day, breach the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and can support a lease termination or damages claim. Finally, a landlord cannot discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, ancestry, or military status under both federal Fair Housing Act and Ohio Revised Code § 4112.02 [4]. Screening criteria must be applied uniformly, and any denial must rest on legitimate, documented reasons like credit history or rental references, not protected characteristics.
How much notice does a landlord have to give to terminate a lease in Ohio?
For month-to-month tenancies in Ohio, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before the end of the rental period [1]. If rent is due on the first of the month, notice given on April 5 terminates the tenancy effective June 1 (30 days lands in May, so the earliest termination is the next rent period). The notice must be in writing; oral notice is not sufficient. For fixed-term leases (six months, one year, two years), the lease simply expires on the end date specified in the contract. No advance notice is required unless the lease itself says otherwise. Many leases include an automatic renewal clause or require 60 days' notice of non-renewal; read the lease. If the tenant has violated the lease, the notice period shortens. For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve a three-day notice to pay or vacate [5]. The tenant has three days (not counting weekends or holidays) to pay all rent owed or move out. If neither happens, the landlord can file an eviction action in municipal or county court. For other lease violations (unauthorized occupants, property damage, illegal activity), the landlord must give a 30-day notice to comply or vacate [1]. The tenant can cure the violation within that window; if not cured, eviction proceedings begin. Ohio does not require 'just cause' to end a month-to-month tenancy. A landlord can decline to renew for any lawful reason or no reason, as long as the decision is not retaliatory or discriminatory [1]. But the 30-day notice requirement is mandatory and cannot be shortened by a lease clause. Any provision purporting to allow termination on shorter notice is void [1].
How do security deposits work in Ohio?
Ohio landlords can collect a security deposit of any amount; the statute sets no cap [2]. Most landlords charge one month's rent, though practice varies. The deposit must be held for the tenant's benefit and can be used only to cover unpaid rent, unpaid utilities the landlord had to pay, or damage beyond normal wear and tear [2]. Within 30 days of the tenant moving out and returning possession, the landlord must either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement explaining each deduction [2]. The statement must list specific damages ('replaced bedroom carpet stained with red dye, $420') and include receipts or invoices when the deduction exceeds $50. If the landlord misses the 30-day deadline or fails to provide the itemized list, the tenant can sue to recover the entire deposit plus damages, interest, and attorney fees [2]. Courts have awarded tenants double the deposit amount as a penalty for landlords who ignore the deadline [2]. Ohio does not require landlords to place security deposits in an interest-bearing account unless the landlord owns more than five rental units, the lease is for six months or longer, and the tenant stays for at least six months [2]. When those conditions are met, the landlord must pay 5 percent annual interest or the actual interest earned, whichever is greater, on any amount exceeding $50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater) [2]. In practice, few landlords meet all three thresholds, so interest obligations are uncommon for smaller operators. Normal wear and tear cannot be charged to the deposit [2]. That means faded paint, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, small nail holes from picture hooks, or minor scuffs on walls. Damage means something beyond the expected deterioration from ordinary use: large holes punched in drywall, pet urine stains, broken windows, or missing appliances.
What happens if a landlord doesn't make repairs in Ohio?
Ohio law gives tenants powerful remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitability [1]. The first step is always written notice. The tenant must notify the landlord in writing of the problem, describing it with enough detail that the landlord understands what needs fixing ('The furnace has not worked since December 10; indoor temperature is 48°F'). If the landlord does not make the repair within a reasonable time (typically 30 days for non-emergency issues, 24-72 hours for no heat, no water, or sewage backup), the tenant has three options under Ohio Revised Code § 5321.07 [1]: 1. Deposit rent into escrow. The tenant can pay future rent into an escrow account with the local municipal or county court. The court holds the money until the landlord makes the repair, at which point the funds are released to the landlord. If the landlord never fixes the problem, the court may order the money returned to the tenant or used to pay for the repair directly. 2. Withhold rent. The tenant can stop paying rent until the landlord completes the repair. This is risky: if a court later decides the repair was not critical or the tenant did not give proper notice, the tenant can be evicted for nonpayment. Tenants who choose this route should document everything and be prepared to prove the landlord's failure in court. 3. Terminate the lease and move out. The tenant can give written notice that the lease is terminated due to the landlord's breach and vacate within a reasonable time. The tenant is not liable for future rent, and the landlord must return the security deposit (minus legitimate deductions) within 30 days [1]. These remedies apply only to conditions that materially affect health and safety. A broken dishwasher or a non-functional garbage disposal, while annoying, typically does not trigger the escrow or withholding options. Lack of heat in winter, no running water, sewage leaks, or a roof that lets rain pour into the bedroom all qualify. Some tenants pursue 'repair and deduct,' paying a contractor to fix the problem and deducting the cost from rent. Ohio does not explicitly authorize this, so it carries legal risk. The safer path is the escrow process [1].
Do Ohio landlords have to provide smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms?
Yes. Ohio Revised Code § 3781.111 requires working smoke alarms on every level of a rental dwelling and outside each sleeping area [6]. If the unit has fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage, the landlord must also install carbon monoxide alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas [6]. The landlord is responsible for providing and installing the devices. The tenant is responsible for testing them periodically and replacing batteries unless the alarm is hardwired. If the tenant removes a battery or disables an alarm and a fire or CO poisoning results, the tenant may face liability [6]. Local codes in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and other cities often exceed state minimums, requiring photoelectric smoke detectors or sealed 10-year battery units [3]. During city rental inspections, missing or non-functional smoke and CO alarms are among the most common violations and can result in an immediate order to correct before the unit can be occupied. Fire extinguishers are not required by state law in single-family or duplex rentals, but many cities mandate them for multi-unit buildings [3]. Check your local fire code.
How does eviction work in Ohio?
Eviction in Ohio is a court process governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1923 [5]. A landlord cannot forcibly remove a tenant, change locks, or shut off utilities. The only legal path is through municipal or county court. The process starts with a written notice. For nonpayment of rent, the landlord serves a three-day notice demanding payment or possession [5]. For lease violations other than nonpayment, a 30-day notice to comply or vacate is required [1]. If the tenant does not cure the problem or move out, the landlord files a complaint in the court that has jurisdiction over the property (usually municipal court in cities, county court in rural areas). The court schedules a hearing, typically within 7 to 21 days. Both parties appear, present evidence, and the judge issues a ruling the same day or within a few days. If the landlord wins, the court issues a judgment for possession and may include a money judgment for unpaid rent and court costs [5]. The tenant has 10 days to appeal [5]. If no appeal is filed, the landlord can request a writ of restitution (also called an order of eviction), which the bailiff or sheriff executes by physically removing the tenant and belongings. The entire process, start to finish, takes four to eight weeks in most Ohio counties, longer if the tenant appeals or the court docket is crowded. Ohio allows 'forcible entry and detainer' evictions, which are faster than regular civil cases [5]. But speed does not excuse notice requirements or due process. Any attempt to evict without a court order exposes the landlord to liability under Ohio Revised Code § 5321.15, which awards the tenant damages, a penalty of one month's rent, and attorney fees [1].
What are a landlord's responsibilities in Ohio?
Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04 lists the landlord's core duties [1]: • Comply with all housing, health, and safety codes that materially affect health and safety. • Make all repairs necessary to keep the premises in fit and habitable condition. • Keep common areas (hallways, stairs, yards, parking lots) safe and sanitary. • Maintain electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in good working order. • Provide and maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms as required by law [6]. • Supply running water, hot water, and heat. • Arrange for garbage removal if the city does not provide it. • Give reasonable notice (typically 24 hours) before entering the unit, except in emergencies [1]. • Return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 days of move-out [2]. These duties cannot be waived by a lease clause [1]. Any provision that purports to shift the landlord's maintenance obligations to the tenant is void. (Tenants can agree to perform specific minor tasks like lawn mowing or snow removal in exchange for reduced rent, but they cannot be forced to fix the roof, replace the furnace, or rewire the electrical system.) Many Ohio cities impose additional obligations through local rental licensing and inspection programs. Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, and others require landlords to register properties, pay annual fees, and pass periodic inspections [3]. These programs check for code compliance, verify smoke and CO alarms, inspect for lead paint hazards in pre-1978 units, and sometimes require landlord training. Penalties for operating without a license range from $100 to $1,000 per day [3]. RentalPermitPath's City Rental License & Inspection Prep Packet helps landlords identify their local requirements and prepare for inspections before the city shows up. Landlords are not required to allow pets, make cosmetic upgrades, or provide amenities beyond basic habitability [1]. They can enforce reasonable rules about noise, guest limits, and property use as long as those rules do not violate tenant rights or fair housing laws.
What rights do tenants have without a lease in Ohio?
A tenant without a written lease holds the same statutory rights as a tenant with one [1]. Ohio treats an oral agreement or an arrangement where the tenant simply pays rent and the landlord accepts it as a month-to-month tenancy. All provisions of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 apply: habitability, repair obligations, security deposit rules, notice requirements, protection from retaliation, and the prohibition on self-help eviction. The absence of a lease does create ambiguity about certain terms. Without a written agreement, the rent amount is whatever the parties agreed to (or what the tenant has been paying), and the rent due date is the date the landlord has historically collected it (often the first of the month). House rules, pet policies, and repair responsibilities may be harder to prove, so disputes turn on testimony and any documentation like text messages, emails, or canceled checks. A month-to-month tenancy can be terminated by either party with 30 days' written notice [1]. The landlord does not need a reason (as long as the decision is not retaliatory or discriminatory), and the tenant can leave with the same notice. This flexibility cuts both ways: a tenant without a lease has less security of tenure than one with a year-long contract, but also more freedom to move on short notice. Tenants without leases sometimes worry they can be evicted overnight. That is not true. Even without a lease, the landlord must give proper notice and obtain a court order [1]. The only scenario in which a tenant can be removed quickly is if the tenant is a licensee rather than a tenant (a guest who was never intended to have exclusive possession), or if the tenant refuses to leave after being given proper termination notice and losing an eviction case in court.
Why do landlords require renters insurance in Ohio?
Ohio landlords increasingly require tenants to carry renters insurance because the landlord's property insurance covers only the building and the landlord's liability, not the tenant's belongings or the tenant's liability for damage to the property or injury to third parties . If a tenant's candle tips over and causes a fire, the landlord's policy will pay to rebuild the structure, but the tenant's furniture, electronics, and clothing are not covered. Renters insurance fills that gap, reimbursing the tenant for personal property losses caused by fire, theft, vandalism, or certain weather events . Renters insurance also includes liability coverage . If a tenant's guest slips on a wet floor and sues, the tenant's renters policy provides legal defense and damages up to the policy limit (typically $100,000 or more). Without it, the tenant pays out of pocket. If the tenant causes damage to the rental unit (leaving a faucet running and flooding the apartment below, for instance), the renters policy's liability coverage reimburses the landlord for the repair costs . Ohio law does not require tenants to carry renters insurance, but landlords can require it as a lease condition [1]. The cost is modest, usually $15 to $30 per month for $30,000 in personal property coverage and $100,000 in liability . Landlords who mandate coverage must state the requirement clearly in the lease and specify the minimum coverage amounts. Some landlords arrange 'master policies' that cover all tenants in a building, adding the premium to the rent; others leave it to each tenant to obtain their own policy and provide proof of coverage annually. Requiring renters insurance reduces landlord risk. It ensures tenants can cover liability claims without dragging the landlord's policy into every dispute, and it reduces the chance a tenant will sue the landlord after a fire or burglary, claiming the landlord's negligence caused the loss.
How to become a landlord in Ohio
Becoming a landlord in Ohio requires property, capital, and compliance with state and local law. You need to own or control a dwelling (or have the owner's permission to sublet), prepare it to meet habitability standards, register it with your city if required, and find a tenant [1][3]. Step one: acquire a property. Most landlords start by purchasing a single-family home, duplex, or small multi-unit building. Financing typically requires a 20 to 25 percent down payment for an investment property; interest rates run 0.5 to 1 percentage point higher than owner-occupied mortgages. Some landlords convert a former primary residence into a rental when they move; others inherit property or buy distressed homes at auction. Step two: bring the property to code. Before renting, the unit must meet Ohio's habitability standards: working plumbing, hot water, heat, weatherproof roof and walls, no structural hazards, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed [1][6]. In cities with mandatory rental inspections, you must pass that inspection before you can legally rent [3]. Budget several thousand dollars for repairs, repainting, and safety upgrades if the property has been vacant. Step three: register with your city if required. Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Dayton, and many smaller Ohio cities require landlords to obtain a rental license or certificate of registration before offering a unit for rent [3]. The process typically involves submitting an application, paying a fee ($50 to $250 per unit per year), passing an inspection, and sometimes completing a landlord training course. Operating without a license can result in fines of $100 to $1,000 per day, and some cities prohibit unlicensed landlords from filing eviction actions [3]. Step four: screen tenants and draft a lease. Ohio law allows landlords to set their own screening criteria as long as they comply with fair housing law [4]. Most landlords check credit, verify income (requiring proof of income equal to three times the monthly rent), contact prior landlords, and run a criminal background check. The lease should specify rent amount, due date, late fees, security deposit, pet policy, maintenance responsibilities, and termination notice requirements. Many landlords use a standard Ohio lease form; the Ohio State Bar Association publishes a widely used template. Step five: collect security deposit and first month's rent, hand over keys. Conduct a move-in inspection with the tenant, document the unit's condition with photos and a checklist both parties sign, and keep that record for comparison at move-out [1]. Ongoing duties: Respond to repair requests promptly, comply with habitability standards, provide proper notice before entering, pay property taxes, carry landlord liability insurance, and file eviction proceedings in court if the tenant fails to pay rent or violates the lease [1][5]. Most landlords spend five to ten hours per month per unit on routine management tasks, more when a tenant turns over or a repair emergency arises. Ohio has no statewide landlord licensing requirement, but local rental registration programs have proliferated in the past decade [3]. Before you rent your first unit, confirm whether your city has a program and what steps you must complete.
Frequently asked questions
What is a landlord?
A landlord is a person or entity that owns rental property and leases it to tenants in exchange for rent. In Ohio, landlords have legal obligations under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 to maintain habitable conditions, make necessary repairs, return security deposits within 30 days, and obtain court orders before evicting tenants [1].
What is landlording?
Landlording is the practice of owning and managing rental property. It includes finding and screening tenants, maintaining habitability, collecting rent, handling repairs, complying with state and local housing codes, and enforcing lease terms. In Ohio, landlording also involves meeting city rental licensing and inspection requirements in jurisdictions that mandate them [3].
How to be a landlord in Ohio?
To be a landlord in Ohio, acquire rental property, ensure it meets habitability standards under Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04, register with your city if required, screen tenants using lawful criteria, draft a compliant lease, collect rent and security deposit, and respond to repair requests. Many cities require a rental license and periodic inspections before you can legally rent [1][3].
Who is responsible for rental property walk through inspection in California?
This article covers Ohio tenant law. In California, both landlord and tenant should participate in move-in and move-out inspections to document property condition. California Civil Code § 1950.5 requires landlords to offer a pre-move-out inspection and provide an itemized statement of deductions. For California-specific guidance, consult California's Department of Consumer Affairs.
Can a landlord evict a tenant without a lease in Ohio?
Yes, but only through court. A landlord must give 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy, then file an eviction complaint if the tenant does not leave [1]. Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) is illegal regardless of whether a written lease exists, and exposes the landlord to damages and penalties [1].
Can a landlord enter without notice in Ohio?
No, except in a genuine emergency. Ohio law requires landlords to give reasonable notice (typically 24 hours) before entering a rental unit for inspections, repairs, or showings [1]. Entering without notice breaches the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and can support a damages claim or lease termination.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Ohio?
Thirty days. Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16 requires landlords to return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 days of the tenant vacating and returning possession [2]. Missing the deadline forfeits the right to withhold any amount and can result in a lawsuit for double damages plus attorney fees [2].
Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Ohio?
Yes, if the landlord fails to make repairs that materially affect health and safety after receiving written notice. Ohio Revised Code § 5321.07 allows tenants to withhold rent, deposit it into court escrow, or terminate the lease when landlords breach habitability obligations [1]. Tenants should document everything and be prepared to prove the landlord's failure in court.
Does Ohio require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
Only if the landlord owns more than five rental units, the lease is for six months or longer, and the tenant stays at least six months. When all three conditions are met, the landlord must pay 5 percent annual interest or the actual interest earned on amounts exceeding $50 or one month's rent, whichever is greater [2]. Most small landlords are exempt.
Can a landlord charge for carpet cleaning in Ohio?
Only if the carpet is damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Ohio law allows landlords to deduct for damage but not for ordinary deterioration from use [2]. Worn carpet in high-traffic areas is normal wear; pet urine stains, burns, or large rips are damage. The landlord must provide an itemized statement and receipts for deductions exceeding $50 [2].
Are landlords required to provide air conditioning in Ohio?
No. Ohio habitability law requires heat but does not mandate air conditioning [1]. If the lease promises A/C or the unit has an installed system, the landlord must keep it in working order. Otherwise, air conditioning is an amenity, not a legal requirement.
Can a landlord refuse to renew a lease in Ohio?
Yes, as long as the decision is not retaliatory or discriminatory. For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must give 30 days' written notice [1]. For fixed-term leases, the lease simply expires unless it includes an automatic renewal clause. Ohio does not require 'just cause' to decline renewal [1].
Do Ohio landlords have to allow emotional support animals?
Yes, under federal Fair Housing Act rules. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities who need emotional support or service animals, even in no-pet buildings [4]. The tenant must provide documentation from a healthcare provider. Landlords can deny the request if the animal poses a direct threat or would cause undue financial burden.
What is the penalty for illegal eviction in Ohio?
Ohio Revised Code § 5321.15 awards the tenant actual damages, a civil penalty of one month's rent, and attorney fees if a landlord locks out the tenant, removes belongings, or shuts off utilities without a court order [1]. The landlord may also face criminal charges for breaking and entering or theft.
Sources
- Ohio Revised Code § 5321.04, § 5321.05, § 5321.15: Landlord duties (habitability, repairs, notice to enter, smoke alarms), tenant remedies (withholding rent, escrow, lease termination), prohibition on self-help eviction, retaliation protections, and notice requirements for month-to-month tenancies
- Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16: Security deposit return deadline (30 days), itemized statement requirement, double damages for landlord non-compliance, and interest obligations for landlords owning more than five units
- National Multifamily Housing Council, State Rental Housing Regulations Database: Prevalence of city rental licensing and inspection programs in Ohio municipalities including Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, and Dayton; typical registration fees and penalties
- Ohio Revised Code § 4112.02; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Housing Act: Prohibition on discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, disability, ancestry, or military status; requirement for reasonable accommodations for service and emotional support animals
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1923: Eviction process, including three-day notice for nonpayment, forcible entry and detainer procedures, court filing requirements, writ of restitution, and 10-day appeal window
- Ohio Revised Code § 3781.111: Requirement for working smoke alarms on every level and outside sleeping areas; carbon monoxide alarm requirements for units with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages