Governor Baker Addresses Smoke and CO Inspections

Governor Baker has signed an Executive Order allowing for the deferment of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Inspection as a condition of sale or transfer of a property during the state of emergency.

Inspections may be deferred provided that:

1. the parties to the sale or transfer have agreed in writing that the buyer, not the seller, shall be responsible for equipping the dwelling, building, or structure with approved smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms;
2. the buyer agrees as a condition of taking title to equip the dwelling, building, or structure with approved smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms immediately upon taking title according to the provisions of 527 CMR 1.00, Chapter 13; and
3. Any inspection that would otherwise be required by Sections 26F and 26F½ of Chapter 148 of the General Laws is conducted no more than 90 days after the state of emergency is terminated; and provided further that the head of the fire department for the municipality in which the dwelling, building, or structure is located shall ensure that such inspection is conducted within the required period pursuant to the authority granted by Sections 26E, 26F, and 26F½ of Chapter 148.

The order is effective immediately and applies to any sale or transfer that occurs before the rescinding or termination of the state of emergency. You can read the full Executive Order here.

MAR will be providing language that can be used in contracts regarding the deferment of the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Inspection soon.