NC S927

Requires landlords to install tamper-resistant, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms when installing new or replacing existing smoke alarms after December 31, 2012, with exceptions for hardwired alarms with battery backup or combined smoke/carbon monoxide alarms.

Exempts landlords from the lithium battery requirement if dwelling units are equipped with hardwired smoke alarms with battery backup or combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarms meeting specified standards.

Clarifies that tenants are not responsible for replacing batteries in tamper-resistant, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms during their tenancy.

Allows landlords to deduct from tenant security deposits the reasonable and actual cost of repairing or replacing smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms damaged by tenants (excluding landlord actions or acts of God).

Changes terminology throughout rental property statutes from "detectors" to "alarms" for consistency in smoke and carbon monoxide detection devices.