Carbon Monoxide Detector Certificate Required at Real Estate Closings

March 13, 2006

Effective March 31, 2006, a new Massachusetts law requires that every dwelling, building or structure occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes that contains (1) fossil fuel burning equipment or (2) incorporates enclosed parking within a structure must have carbon monoxide detectors installed. The local fire departments are responsible for issuing the certificates. If the inspection is done simultaneously with the smoke detector inspection no additional fee is to be charged.

On all residential sales, both a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector certificate will be required at the closing. In addition, for any multi-unit building a carbon monoxide certificate will be required. This law is different than the smoke detector law which only requires certificates on one- to four-family buildings.

For more information on the carbon monoxide detector law, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services website.

If you have questions regarding this or any other legal real estate matter, please contact Attorney Tom Bennett at tvb@barronstad.com or (617) 531-6574.

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