Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws

Function

In some states like Illinois, laws were created to protect tenants and homebuyers. They require the landlord to install one detector per apartment or home. Like fire alarms, mandatory carbon monoxide detectors are a safety measure for tenants. Failure to comply with the laws can result in fines. Inspections are done to ensure that the landlord complies. States like Massachusetts require inspections upon property sales and transfers. This also protects buyers interested in a home that burns fossil fuels for fueling the home.

Mandatory carbon monoxide detectors are not required if the property uses something other than fossil fuels for utilities. It must also be located away from any structure, factory or business that produces carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide detector laws have various origins. Laws like "Nicole's Laws" in Massachusetts are named after people who have died because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Colorado's carbon monoxide detector laws result from several deaths from carbon monoxide in a short period.

Carbon monoxide laws have several requirements for compliance. The number of detectors in a dwelling and its proximity from the sleeping quarters is often spelled out. In Illinois for example, the detector must be within 15 feet of the sleeping rooms with one detector on each floor and in each apartment. Laws like that in Colorado specify the type of detectors you can use. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are acceptable in that state. However, plug-in or hard-wired detectors without backup batteries are prohibited. The type of alarm tone also matters. Voice and tone alarms must be loud and clear enough to properly signal the family, especially those that differentiate alarms in combination detectors.

Carbon monoxide laws were enacted to curb the number of deaths from the silent killer. By making the detectors mandatory in all rented and sold homes, eventually all dwellings will have them. The 200 or more deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning each year eventually will decrease.