Why your smoke alarm is chirping, and what to do
A smoke alarm that chirps on its own is asking for attention. Don't take it down or pull the battery and forget about it. A working alarm gives you time to get out.
What the chirp means
A chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low. Tell your landlord, or replace the battery if your lease says that's your job.
Smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years after the date they were made. An old alarm can chirp even with a new battery. The date is usually printed on the back.
Test it once a month
Press the test button on each smoke alarm once a month. If an alarm doesn't sound when you test it, chirps, or looks damaged, tell your landlord right away.
Never disable it
If cooking sets it off, open a window and wave a towel near it. Don't remove the battery. If a fire starts at night, the alarm is what wakes you up.
If it goes off for real
- Get out. Use your second way out if smoke blocks the first.
- Close doors behind you to slow the fire.
- Call 911 from outside, and stay out.
Common questions
Who replaces smoke alarm batteries in a rental?
It depends on your lease and your state and local rules. Tell your landlord about any chirping alarm right away, either way.
Rent your home? Get the free move-in safety checklist. Own or manage rentals? SaferResident gives every tenant a 20 minute course on this, built around your building.
Sources
- Learn More About Smoke Alarms, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Home Fires, Ready.gov (FEMA)
- How to make a home fire escape plan, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Updated October 1, 2026. General safety information. It doesn't replace your building's safety systems, local codes or your lease. In an emergency, call 911.