Carbon Monoxide Laws

Many cities and states have created safety legislation requiring carbon monoxide alarms or specific types of alarms in various settings. Understanding your local requirements can help you keep your home safe from the dangers of CO poisoning.

Carbon monoxide laws and legislation by state

Select your state below to find out the latest carbon monoxide detector requirements by state. Homeowners and tenants should also familiarize themselves with carbon monoxide detector placement codes to ensure CO alarms are installed in optimal locations in a home for proper detection.

Alabama

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings, as well as new and existing multi-family dwellings, hotels, and motels. These requirements only apply to dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Alaska

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in all dwelling units containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance, have an attached garage, or is adjacent to a parking space. Carbon monoxide alarms must be approved and listed by the state fire marshal.

Arkansas

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or have have an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in single-family homes containing a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage, before the sale or transfer of home.

Colorado

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or have have an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in single-family homes containing a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage, before the sale or transfer of home.

Connecticut

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in a single-family homes containing a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage, before the sale or transfer of the home.

Delaware

In Delaware, building codes are adopted at the county level. The Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations adopted NFPA 1 (2015 ed.) and NFPA 101 (2015 ed.) as the state fire code.

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, hotels, motels, or rental units containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Florida

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings may be hardwired or battery powered.

Georgia

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Hawaii

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Idaho

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Illinois

Carbon monoxide alarms are required within 15 feet of all sleeping rooms in all dwelling units containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance, attached garage, or adjacent to a parking space. Carbon monoxide alarms must bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory and comply with the most recent standards of the Underwriters Laboratories or the Canadian Standard Association. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Indiana

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Iowa

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in all dwelling units containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance, attached garage, or adjacent to a parking space. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Carbon monoxide detection systems shall be an acceptable alternative to carbon monoxide alarms and shall comply with NFPA 720 and shall be listed in accordance with UL 2075.

Kansas

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in lodging establishments (boarding houses, bed & breakfast, etc.) containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or have an attached garage.

Kentucky

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings, as well as new multi-family dwellings, hotels, and motels. These requirements only apply to dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Louisiana

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings, as well as new multi-family dwellings, hotels, and motels. These requirements only apply to dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Maine

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings, as well as new multi-family dwellings, hotels, and motels. Carbon monoxide alarms are required to be approved or listed for the purpose by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory.

Carbon monoxide alarms in existing dwellings shall be hardwired with a battery back-up, powered by a non-replaceable 10-year battery, or a replaceable battery if the carbon monoxide detector uses a low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal, uses multiple sensors, has low-frequency audible notification capability, or is connected to a control panel.

Carbon monoxide alarms in new or renovated construction shall be hardwired with battery back-up.

Maryland

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Carbon monoxide detection systems shall be an acceptable alternative to carbon monoxide alarms and shall comply with NFPA 720 (2015 ed.). and shall be listed in accordance with UL 2075.

Massachusetts

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in all dwelling units containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance, attached garage, or adjacent to a parking space. Carbon monoxide alarms are required to be UL-listed. Carbon monoxide alarms in new or renovated construction shall be hardwired with a battery back-up.

Michigan

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage.

(In Michigan, fire codes are adopted at the municipal level. The International Fire Code has been widely adopted in Michigan, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in existing multifamily dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels. Please check local requirements for regulations on existing dwellings.) Contact for more info

Minnesota

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in all new and existing single-family dwellings and multifamily dwellings. Alarms must be installed within ten feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes.

Missouri

There is no statewide fire or building code in Missouri; codes are adopted at the local level. In many jurisdictions, carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed residences containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage.

Montana

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Nebraska

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Residential dwellings containing a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage must be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm on every level before sale or transfer of the dwelling. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Nevada

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

New Hampshire

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

New Jersey

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing residential dwellings. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Before a one- or two-family home is sold, leased, or otherwise transferred, the owner shall obtain a certificate of smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, and portable fire extinguisher compliance.

New Mexico

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, rental units, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

New York

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Effective April 1, 2019, sales of battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms are restricted to alarms with a 10-year sealed battery.

North Carolina

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

North Dakota

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. While there is no statewide fire code in North Dakota, local fire codes may require carbon monoxide alarms in existing dwellings.

Oklahoma

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Oregon

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed before sale or lease of a residential dwelling. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Pennsylvania

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Rhode Island

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

South Carolina

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

South Dakota

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Tennessee

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed.

Texas

There is no statewide fire or building code in Texas; codes are adopted at the local level. In many jurisdictions, carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed residences containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage.

Vermont

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in all new and existing single-family dwellings, in constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings, in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a fuel-burning heater or cooking source or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms replaced or installed after July 1, 2005, must be directly wired to the building electrical service, and have a battery backup.

Virginia

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based-fueled appliance or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage. Landlords shall install carbon monoxide alarms at the request of the renter. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Carbon monoxide alarms and carbon monoxide detection systems shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 720. Carbon monoxide alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that become inoperable or begin producing end-of-life signals shall be replaced.

Washington

In Washington, carbon monoxide alarms are required in all newly constructed residential buildings as of January 1, 2011. All other buildings classified as residential occupancies are required to be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms by January 1, 2013.

Owner occupied single-family residences legally occupied before July 26, 2009, are exempt from this requirement. However, for any owner-occupied single-family residence that is sold on or after July 26, 2009, the seller must equip the residence with carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the requirements of the state building code before the buyer or any other person may legally occupy the residence following such sale.

West Virginia

Carbon monoxide alarms or combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings, in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a fuel-burning heater or cooking source or device that produces by-products of combustion or an attached garage, shed or barn. Carbon monoxide alarms are required to be directly plugged into an electrical outlet not controlled by a switch or to be hardwired with a backup battery.

Wisconsin

Carbon monoxide alarms or combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, are required in all new and existing single-family dwellings, used for sleeping or lodging purposes, cabins, cottages, multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels that contain an appliance that burns fossil fuel or has a carbon-based fuel source that produces carbon monoxide as a combustion by-product or have an attached garage or fireplace. Carbon monoxide alarms must be installed on every level including the basement. Alarms must be hard wired with a battery back-up and be UL-listed.

Wyoming

Carbon monoxide alarms are required in newly constructed or renovated one and two-family dwellings, in new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels containing a carbon-based fuel appliance or device that produces products of combustion or an attached garage. Carbon monoxide alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected and UL listed. NFPA 720 (2015 ed.).

_{*This information is Kidde's summary interpretation of the codes of each state and was prepared as general reference material ONLY. This summary is NOT authoritative. For your specific compliance requirements, please refer to the actual law or regulation, or consult legal counsel.* Page last updated: March 2022}