Wednesday, April 7, 2010

New Laws Regarding Smoke Detectors in Massachusetts Residential Properties


Sellers of residential property have long been required to deliver their properties equipped with smoke detectors (and since 2005, carbon monoxide detectors) in compliance with Massachusetts law, to have the property inspected by the local fire department, and to obtain and deliver at closing a certificate evidencing the compliance of the property with those laws. A new law has just gone into effect which modifies the smoke detector requirement.

Effective yesterday, the smoke detectors in any home being sold which is built before 1975 and relies on the old battery operated version must be upgraded to contain photoelectric smoke detectors as well. Photoelectric smoke detectors use light rather than radiation to detect smoke, and are are most effective in detecting smoldering or slow moving fires. Photoelectric smoke detectors must be installed within 20 feet of kitchens or bathrooms containing showers. Areas beyond 20 feet require both photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors, either in the form of a single dual detector or two separate detectors.

If you are selling, or planning to sell, your home, you should be aware of this new requirement and ensure that your smoke detectors are in compliance before scheduling your fire department inspection.

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