Virginia Code Title 36. Housing § 36-99.5. Smoke alarms for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing

1. All dormitory buildings arranged for the shelter and sleeping accommodations of more than 20 individuals;

2. All boarding and lodging houses arranged for shelter and sleeping accommodations of more than five individuals;  or

3. All residential rental dwelling units.

A tenant shall be responsible for the maintenance and operation of the smoke alarm in the tenant's unit in accordance with § 55.1-1227.

A hotel or motel shall have available no fewer than one such smoke alarm for each 70 units or portion thereof, except that this requirement shall not apply to any hotel or motel with fewer than 35 units.  The proprietor of the hotel or motel shall post in a conspicuous place at the registration desk or counter a permanent sign stating the availability of smoke alarms for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Visual alarms shall be provided for all meeting rooms for which an advance request has been made.

The proprietor or landlord may require a refundable deposit for a smoke alarm, not to exceed the original cost or replacement cost, whichever is greater, of such smoke alarm.  Rental fees shall not be increased as compensation for this requirement.

A landlord of a rental unit shall provide a reasonable accommodation to a person who is deaf or hard of hearing who requests installation of a smoke alarm that is appropriate for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing if such accommodation is appropriate in accordance with the Virginia Fair Housing Law (§ 36-96.1 et seq.).