Massachusetts law about carbon monoxide detectors

Laws, regulations, and web sources on carbon monoxide law.

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Massachusetts law

MGL c.148, § 10A Heads of fire departments; permits; inspections; records; fees; list of fire department heads
Fees for carbon monoxide alarm inspection by fire department.

MGL c.148, § 26F 1/2 ("Nicole's Law")
Requires carbon monoxide detectors in most residential buildings. The law is named for 7-year-old Nicole Garofalo, who died in January 2005 when a heating vent in her house was blocked by snow drifts, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate in the home.

MGL c.148, § 27A Shutting off, disconnection, obstruction, removal or destruction, of fire protection devices; permit; report; violation of statute; enforcement
Penalties for disconnecting, removing or destroying carbon monoxide detection system without written permit.

Massachusetts regulations

105 CMR 410.00 State sanitary code

  • 410.330 Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms

527 CMR 1.00 Massachusetts comprehensive fire safety code

  • 1.05 Chapter 13 Fire protection systems
    Chapter 13 also includes carbon monoxide devices.

Web sources

Carbon monoxide safety, Mass. Dept. of Fire Services
Lists the sources of carbon monoxide, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, and safety tips.

Consumer's guide to Massachusetts requirements for carbon monoxide alarms, Mass. Dept. of Fire Services, 2015.
Brochure outlines the requirements of the law, including the type of alarms required and where to place them.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, Mass. Dept. of Fire Services.
Learn what kind you need to have and where they should be placed in your home. Explains requirements for landlords and large apartment buildings as well as provides links to safety brochures.

Print sources

Handling residential real estate transactions in Massachusetts, 5th ed., MCLE, sections 4.2.2(f), 8.9, and 8.13.16 (home inspection and closings).

Lease drafting in Massachusetts, 4th ed., 2017, MCLE, loose-leaf, section 13.4.6 (Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors).

Massachusetts basic practice manual, 7th ed., MCLE, section 4.1.2(g) carbon monoxide detectors.

Residential and commercial landlord-tenant practice in Massachusetts, 4th ed. MCLE, 2022. Sections 1.2.7 and 18.4.2 (Carbon monoxide detectors and toxic conditions). 

Contact   for Massachusetts law about carbon monoxide detectors

Last updated: September 6, 2023

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