Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

co and smoke detectors

In Massachusetts, prior to selling or transferring a one or two-family residence, state law mandates that the property must comply with specific smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector requirements. The local fire department must inspect the residence to confirm proper smoke/CO alarm placement and issue a Certificate of Compliance confirming that the alarms meet the necessary standards. This certificate is valid for 60 days and is required at the time of sale or transfer. If the home does not meet these standards, the sale cannot legally proceed.

Smoke Detector Requirements

Regardless of home age, smoke alarms must be installed:

* On every habitable level of the home, including finished basements and finished attics.

* At the base of every stairway leading to the next level.

* Outside each sleeping area within 10 feet.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

Regardless of the home's construction date, CO alarms are required as follows:

* Placement: On every level of the residence, including habitable portions of basements and attics, and within 10 feet of each bedroom door.

* Type: CO alarms can be battery-powered, plug-in with battery backup, hardwired with battery backup, or system type. Combination smoke/CO alarms are acceptable if they meet placement requirements.

Massachusetts Home Inspections does not test residential smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors. In Massachusetts, the local fire department is responsible for inspecting these devices and issuing a compliance certificate. As the buyer, you are not responsible for the installation or certification of these detectors. It is the seller's responsibility to obtain the certificate of compliance prior to closing. This certificate is required in order to close escrow, and it will be provided by the seller at your closing. When you move into your new home, all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will be up to code, as verified by the local fire department.

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Hi Dave,

I want to thank you for the home inspection you did for us at 144 Avis Ave. in Dracut MA. We did not get the house because the home owners did not want to split the cost of fixing that wall. I had gotten two estimates, one from a landscaper and one from a Mason. Both gave an estimate of $15,000.00, for which I am grateful for your inspection and pointing out the wall problem. It would of been an undue burden on us, not to mention I am also grateful about the radon testing also. I just got the results today and they came back at 7.5 and 8.4, so that would of been another expense. I do hope that when we find a new house that you will be able to do our home inspection. Your fee was a drop in the hat, to what it would of cost us to fix the wall and then the cost of venting the basement. My husband was also very impressed with your report and how well it was written. Just wanted to drop you a line to let you know what happened, and hopefully will be doing business with you again very soon.

Have a Good Day
Jackie Sliney