New CT Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Law went into effect January 1st, 2014

Are you buying a house or selling one in Connecticut?

Effective January 1, 2014 a new CT law requires both one- and two-family homes, condos and co-ops built before October 1, 2005 to have both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in order to transfer ownership of the property.

Home sellers closing after January 1, 2014 will be required to sign an affidavit at closing indicating smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are installed in the home. The affidavit must be signed in front of a notary or attorney.

The new law requires that the home seller provide the Affidavit Concerning Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors or provide the buyer with a $250 credit against the purchase price at closing.

The law allows the detectors to be battery operated unless the home was built after October 1985 when hard-wired smoke detectors were required or after October 2005 when hard-wired carbon monoxide detectors were required.

Detectors must be installed according to manufacturers directions usually with smoke detectors installed outside all bedrooms and carbon monoxide detectors installed on each level. Size of house and number of bedrooms would determine number of detectors. Again, read manufacturer’s recommendations.  If unsure about correct placement for your floor plan, please consult your local fire department for direction on correct placement.

Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can build up when heating sources like furnaces, fireplaces, space heaters and generators aren’t working properly or are not well ventilated.  If carbon monoxide levels are very high, a person can die within minutes of exposure.

Newer detectors, available in all home improvement stores, have digital readouts that monitor the levels of CO in the home.

Smoke alarms and CO detectors do have a life span.  Smoke alarms should be replaced about every 7-10 years. In addition, carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 5 years. (Check back of unit for manufacturers date) Again, manufacturers directions should be followed to ensure maximum operating efficiency.  Keep in mind that batteries should be checked at least every six months. 

If you have any questions, please contact me directly. 

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