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Safety · State comparisonSmoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules when selling a house, by state

States put the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm duty on different people at different times. In California the seller gives a written statement of compliance with the smoke alarm, CO device and water heater bracing laws before title transfers (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§13113.8, 17926, 19211). In Massachusetts the seller equips the home with smoke detectors, enforced by the head of the fire department, which also inspects carbon monoxide alarms on sale (M.G.L. c.148 §§26F, 26F½). In Connecticut the seller hands the buyer a signed affidavit at closing on a one- or two-family home or a common interest community unit (Conn. Gen. Stat. §29-453). In Maine the buyer certifies at closing that it will install smoke and CO detectors within 30 days if none are present (25 M.R.S. §§2464(10), 2468(6)). In Washington the seller of an owner-occupied single-family home equips it with CO alarms before the buyer may move in (RCW 19.27.530). In Iowa a buyer who files for the homestead credit certifies that the smoke detector and, where required, CO alarms are installed or will be within 30 days (Iowa Code §10A.518).

The states

  1. California (Health & Safety Code §§13113.8, 17926, 19211)

    Seller's written statement on smoke alarms, CO devices and water heater bracing before transfer of title.

  2. Massachusetts (c.148 §§26F, 26F½)

    Seller equips smoke detectors, enforced by the fire department, which inspects CO alarms on sale.

  3. Connecticut (§29-453)

    Seller's signed smoke and CO affidavit at closing; estates and foreclosures exempt.

  4. Maine (25 M.R.S. §§2464, 2468)

    Buyer certifies at closing and installs within 30 days if none are present.

  5. Washington (RCW 19.27.530)

    Seller equips CO alarms before the buyer may occupy.

  6. Iowa (Iowa Code §10A.518)

    A buyer filing for the homestead credit certifies smoke and CO alarms are installed or will be within 30 days.

What the TC checks in any state

  • Who signs – seller statement or affidavit, buyer certification, or a fire department certificate.
  • When it's due – before title transfer, at closing, or before move-in.
  • Whether an exemption applies, such as an estate or foreclosure sale.

Questions about smoke and CO alarms at sale

Who is responsible for smoke and CO alarms when a house is sold?

It depends on the state: the seller in California, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Washington; the buyer in Maine, which certifies at closing.

Is a fire department inspection required at sale?

In Massachusetts – on sale or transfer the head of the fire department inspects carbon monoxide alarms and enforces the smoke detector requirement (c.148 §§26F, 26F½).

The state guides

ClosingCode shows the state's rule under the closing document where one applies, and you can add a task for the rest with an owner and a due date.

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Sources: Cal. Health & Safety Code §§13113.8, 17926, 19211; M.G.L. c.148 §§26F, 26F½; Conn. Gen. Stat. §29-453; 25 M.R.S. §§2464, 2468; RCW 19.27.530; Iowa Code §10A.518 (official state sites, read for the linked guides).

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