If you haven’t already heard, in 2011 there are some new rules in Washington regarding the required use of carbon monoxide detectors being installed in new construction as well as in any rental property.
I’ll be interested to see how it affects sales of properties as we move forward. Will there be a new form from the MLS for verification of these in rental properties that are being sold – including houses that were converted to rental use? Will it matter if the home is being sold to owner occupied usage – likely not. If it’s being sold to an investor, will it need to be declared the intent of occupancy in the Purchase & Sale Agreement? Multi-family housing will be a no brainer, but for single-family it won’t be as cut and dried, I think. I’m also curious as to what municipalities will implement as compliance and inspection requirements for these monitors and the fines that may go along with it for anyone found not to be in compliance.
If you’re a homeowner who plans to turn your home into a rental after you move out, or you’re buying a property for rental purposes, be on alert!
Please see below the reply elicited from Annie Fitzsimmons, attorney with the Washington Association of REALTORS, regarding this subject:
Effective January 1, 2011, all new residential construction must be equipped with carbon monoxide monitors. Effective July 1, 2011, all non-owner occupied, residential properties must be equipped with carbon monoxide monitors. Owner occupied properties, that were lawfully occupied as of July 1, 2010, are exempt for so long as they remain owner occupied. If the property becomes non-owner occupied, it would have to be equipped with carbon monoxide monitors at the time it converts to non-owner occupied use.
If alarms are required, the alarms must be located outside of each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom. Where a tenancy exists, the tenant must maintain the CO alarm as specified by the manufacturer, including replacement of the batteries. Single station carbon monoxide alarms must be listed as complying with UL 2034, and installed in accordance with the code and the manufacturer’s instructions.
