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 just wanted to write and thank you very much for doing our inspection today. You really took an awful lot of extra time to explain things to us. It was a huge help and by far my favorite part of this whole home-buying process. In addition to drawing our attention to the major projects that need to be undertaken right away or in the near future, I was glad that you were also so thorough as to point out smaller things and provide suggestions for fixes that we'd be able to do ourselves. Thanks again for all your effort. I'm finding your "Know Your Home" book a great source of information along with your report. I'll no doubt have some questions for you at some point and really appreciate your willingness to answer them. Have a great rest of your weekend!

Take care,

Sean