Massachusetts law about carbon monoxide detectors

If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, or if you have a specific question, please contact our law librarians for assistance.

Massachusetts law

Nicole's Law: MGL c.148, § 26F 1/2
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.

Massachusetts regulations

105 CMR 410.351(A), 410.482, and 410.750(N)  State sanitary code

527 CMR 1, § 13.7 Massachusetts comprehensive fire safety code:  Carbon monoxide protection systems

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.

Print sources

Handling residential real estate transactions in Massachusetts, 4th ed., MCLE loose-leaf, 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, 6^th ed., MCLE, loose-leaf, section 4.1.2(g) carbon monoxide detectors.

Residential and commercial landlord-tenant practice in Massachusetts, 3^rd ed. MCLE, loose-leaf, sections 1.2.7 and 18.4.2 (Carbon monoxide detectors and toxic conditions). 

Last updated:	May 22, 2023