We have helped countless home sellers in Massachusetts sell their homes for over 15 years. The failure of a smoke and carbon monoxide inspection can delay the sale of a home. The process is complex and involves many moving parts, but we will help you understand them. 

You will learn about the Massachusetts smoke detector requirements in this guide. "They're just smoke alarms, how complicated can it be?" You might think. The state of Massachusetts takes residential safety seriously. The purpose of these regulations is to protect you, your family, and potential buyers from the disastrous effects of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

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What You Need To Know: Massachusetts Smoke Detector Requirements

There can be some confusion about smoke detector regulations in Massachusetts. For instance, the age of your home and the date when it was renovated makes a big difference. There are also things to consider like the type of heating system you have, as well as fuel-burning appliances. The right smoke detector setup can be tricky because there are so many variables at play. In addition to selling hundreds of homes, we have passed many smoke inspections. As a result of our experience, we will be able to guide you through the process and make sure your home is ready to close.

Smoke Detectors


First, let's examine smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your house, including the basement and attic (if it's a living space). Hallways aren't the only place where they might be needed - bedrooms might as well. Every bedroom will need one if your home has recently undergone a significant renovation or is being built from scratch. A detector will also need to be installed outside sleeping areas. Detectors should be strategically placed near stairways (base of the stairs) since smoke rises.

Photoelectric and Ionization Smoke Detectors: Choosing The Right Type

Next, you need to choose the right type: photoelectric or ionization. Please don't let the technical names scare you. It is best to use photoelectric smoke detectors in areas close to kitchens and bathrooms. Why would that be? Because they are less likely to emit nuisance alarms when cooking steam or shower steam is present.

 Now, in hallways and living areas, ionization smoke detectors can be installed. It is recommended to use only photoelectric devices since they are permitted in all locations of your home. Combination smoke/carbon detectors are available, offering a streamlined solution for meeting safety regulations. Combination smoke/carbon detectors are recommended for efficiency. Keep in mind that if these are used they must have both a tone and simulated voice alarm to distinguish the type of emergency.

Photoelectric vs. Ionization Technologies

In home safety, photoelectric and ionization technologies are used to detect smoke. The differences between the technologies are listed below.

Photoelectric smoke alarms

Detect smoke using light

More effective at detecting smoldering fires, which have been associated with more fatal fires

Only photoelectric detectors are used in household fire warning systems (low voltage or wireless low voltage systems)

 Ionization Smoke Detectors 

 Steam or cooking smoke can cause nuisance alarms

Detect smoke using radiation

 It is more effective at detecting flaming fires

Smoke or steam from cooking can cause nuisance alarms

Heat Alarms

Home sellers, even realtors, often forget these regulations and that they must be followed. Any garage attached to or under the residence must have a heat alarm. It must be hardwired and interconnected with or without battery backup to the existing smoke detection system. Garages of older homes are not required to have heat alarms unless they have been renovated, added to, or modified after January 1, 2008.

Hardwired or Battery Operated

For homes built or renovated (permitted) after August 27, 1997, hardwired smoke detectors are required. Directly connected to your home's electrical system, they have a battery backup. There is a huge advantage to this system in that if one alarm goes off, they all go off, offering enhanced safety. In terms of hardwired smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, did you know that they have two different voltage systems? There are some homes that use 24-volt systems, while most use 120-volt systems. The voltage of your smoke detector is usually written somewhere on it. Consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure. Replace your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms with the same voltage when you replace them. It is not recommended to replace a 120-volt smoke detector with a 24-volt smoke detector, or vice versa.

New smoke detectors that are battery-powered must have 10-year, sealed, non-rechargeable, non-replaceable batteries. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms expire after 10 years. Be sure to check the date of manufacture on each smoke detector. You should replace your smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm if it has been more than 10 years or if it does not have a date.

It is a requirement that new or replacement alarms come with hush features to prevent nuisance alarms. A hush feature temporarily silences nuisance alarms for a short time, usually several minutes, so you can address the issue. It can be useful if you experience frequent false alarms caused by cooking or other non-emergencies.

In older homes, battery-powered smoke detectors are allowed. Battery-powered or hardwired detectors should be changed annually. 

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: An Added Layer of Safety

Don't forget about carbon monoxide (CO), a silent odorless killer. This is why Massachusetts smoke detector requirements also include carbon monoxide alarms. Your home must have these lifesavers installed on all levels, including the basement. Every level of the residence must have them, including habitable portions of basements and attics, within 10 feet of each bedroom door. Combination smoke and carbon detectors must have both a tone and simulated voice alarm.

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

All residences with fossil fuel burning equipment or an enclosed attached garage are required to install carbon monoxide alarms since March 31, 2006. Any such residence that is being sold or transferred is subject to this law.  

What is Fossil Fuel Burning Equipment?

The term fossil fuel burning equipment refers to any device, apparatus, or appliance that burns fossil fuels, emitting carbon monoxide as a byproduct of combustion. Gas water heaters, oil or gas furnaces, wood or gas fireplaces, wood pellet stoves, gas clothes dryers, or gas cooking stoves are all examples of fossil fuel burning equipment.

A Reference Sheet To Gain Understanding

  image via boston.gov

Smoke Inspections in Massachusetts: Differences Between Towns and Cities

The requirements for smoke inspections can vary significantly between towns and cities in Massachusetts. A higher population density and increased risk factors often lead to stricter regulations in urban areas, necessitating frequent and thorough inspections. As you prepare your home for the smoke inspection, the Boston smoke and carbon detector reference sheet is a good starting point. In contrast, smaller towns may follow different protocols, ensuring compliance with state mandates while accommodating local resources and infrastructure. Homeowners should be aware of these variations in order to ensure their properties meet all safety standards.  




Passing the Inspection: Your Guide to Smooth Sailing

Your realtor can play an important role in helping you pass the smoke inspection. In order to schedule and pass the inspection, you will need the help of a seasoned realtor. Fire departments are often swamped with inspections, so it is important to schedule the inspection as soon as possible. We have seen inspections booked out as far as 3 weeks in advance! A certificate is good for 60 days, so if your closing will take longer, you should consider this. Other times, the schedules are much more relaxed. Knowing which one will be for your home will allow you to act accordingly.

The Smoke Detectors and Passing the Inspection

Upon successful smoke alarm inspection, the local fire department issues a Certificate of Compliance indicating the residence meets smoke alarm requirements. Although the law applies to homes built prior to the date of the building code (Jan. 1975), it is industry practice that most purchase and sales agreements, and many mortgage companies, require the seller to obtain a Certificate of Compliance from the local fire department as a condition of selling or transferring, even if the home was permitted or modified after 1975.

The Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Passing the Inspection

According to Massachusetts General Law, chapter 148 section 26F12 and 527 CMR 1.00:13.7.6, the local fire department must inspect any residence prior to sale or transfer for compliance with carbon monoxide alarms. A Certificate of Compliance indicating compliance with the carbon monoxide alarm requirements will be issued after a successful inspection by the local fire department. An inspection of a smoke alarm and a CO alarm can be conducted at the same time. A failure to meet these requirements could lead to headaches. Selling is always easier and less expensive if everything is handled up front. Ensure a stress-free sale by taking care of these often-overlooked details well in advance.  

Conclusion

I admit, I am passionate about helping Massachusetts homeowners sell their homes for top dollar. This passion includes making sure they're prepared and informed every step of the way. Make sure you don't get caught up in the intricacies of Massachusetts smoke detector requirements on your path to selling your property. It is important to address this critical safety step in order to protect yourself but also to ensure a smoother closing process. We look forward to helping you realize your dream of moving on (and up). 

Additional Resources and FAQs

Do you still have questions about the specific requirements in Massachusetts? Below are some frequently asked questions.   

 

Can you tell me what the Massachusetts smoke alarm code requirements are?

Massachusetts requires smoke alarms on every level of a home, including basements but not unfinished attics. An alarm must be installed inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. For homes built after 1975, hardwired and interconnected smoke alarms are mandated. If the house was built before 1975, battery-operated units are allowed. To minimize false alarms caused by cooking, new installations require photoelectric detectors with hush features.

What kind of smoke detector do I need in Massachusetts?

All residential properties in Massachusetts must be equipped with either photoelectric alarms or dual alarms (photoelectric and ionization).To reduce false alarms caused by steam and cooking fumes, photoelectric detectors are mandated near kitchens and bathrooms, while ionization or a combination of ionization and photoelectric detectors are required in other areas. As of December 1, 2016, all newly installed smoke alarms must have sealed batteries that last 10 years.  

How many carbon monoxide detectors do I need in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, the law requires that every residential dwelling have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each level of the home. This includes basements and habitable attics. Additionally, they must be installed within 10 feet of each bedroom door. For multi-family dwellings or larger homes with numerous bedrooms spread across different areas, more than one detector per floor may be necessary to comply with this requirement.

Where can I buy smoke and carbon detectors? 

You can buy them at any small or large hardware store. The large home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot carry them. 


Will the stores have the right smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for me to buy?

Stores aren't required to carry ONLY products that fit the codes. Stores will sell you ANYTHING. Be sure to be very careful in choosing which ones to buy. Your realtor can help ensure you buy the correct ones.



Helpful Resources

Read the Guide to Massachusetts Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Requirements When Selling a One- or Two- Family Home for more details on all requirements. (referenced)

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Requirements in Massachusetts

Realtor Smoke Inspection Help: A Must for Massachusetts Home Sellers Understanding 

Massachusetts Smoke Inspection Requirements in 2024