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Maine · 25 M.R.S. §§2464, 2468Maine smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: the buyer's certification at closing

In Maine it's the buyer who signs. A person who acquires a single-family dwelling or a multiapartment building by sale or exchange must install smoke detectors within 30 days of acquisition or occupancy, whichever is later, if they aren't already present, and must certify at the closing – in a certification signed and dated by the purchaser – that it will make the proper installation; the detectors may be powered by the electrical service or by battery (25 M.R.S. §2464(10)). The same applies to carbon monoxide detectors, which go in each area within or giving access to bedrooms and must be powered both by the electrical service and by battery (§2468(6)). No one has a claim against the owner, purchaser, their agents, the person in possession, the closing agent or the lender for damages from the operation, maintenance or effectiveness of a detector, and a violation of the smoke detector requirement doesn't create a defect in title (§§2464(10), 2468(6)).

The rules

  1. 1. Buyer certifies at closing

    Signed and dated by the purchaser (§§2464(10), 2468(6)).

  2. 2. 30 days to install

    From acquisition or occupancy, whichever is later, if none are present.

  3. 3. CO detectors (§2468(6))

    Near bedrooms; electrical service plus battery.

  4. 4. No title defect (§2464(10))

    Agents, closing agents and lenders not liable for detector performance.

What the TC can do

  • Ask the closing agent to include the buyer's smoke and CO certification in the closing package.
  • Remind the buyer of the 30-day installation window after closing or move-in.
  • Note on the file whether detectors were already present at the walkthrough.

Questions about Maine smoke and CO detectors

Who signs the smoke and CO certification at a Maine closing?

The purchaser, who certifies it will install the detectors (25 M.R.S. §§2464(10), 2468(6)).

How long does a Maine buyer have to install detectors?

Within 30 days of acquisition or occupancy, whichever is later, if they aren't already present.

Related guides

On a Maine deal, ClosingCode adds a document slot for the buyer's detector certification and shows this rule under it – add a deal and see it.

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Source: Maine Revised Statutes, Title 25, §§2464 and 2468 (legislature.maine.gov, read October 26, 2026).

General information, not legal advice. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.