Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Can Improve Safety
Carbon Monoxide, or CO, detectors are designed to sound an alarm when they sense excessive levels of CO in the air. The North Carolina Building Code recognizes the importance CO detectors in the home and the following NC State Statutes have been adopted:
North Carolina | N.C. Gen Stat. § 143-138 – North Carolina State Building Code
N.C. Gen Stat. § 42-42 to 42-44 – Landlord and Tenant Articles – Residential Rental Agreements |
Authorizes adoption of provisions requiring the installation of either battery-operated or electrical carbon monoxide detectors in every dwelling unit having a fossil-fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage.
Requires landlords to provide one operable carbon monoxide detector per rental unit per level. A landlord that installs one carbon monoxide detector per rental unit per level shall be deemed to be in compliance with standards under this subdivision covering the location and number of detectors. The landlord shall replace or repair the carbon monoxide detectors within 15 days of receipt of notification if the landlord is notified of needed replacement or repairs in writing by the tenant. The landlord shall ensure that a carbon monoxide detector is operable and in good repair at the beginning of each tenancy. Unless the landlord and the tenant have a written agreement to the contrary, the landlord shall place new batteries in a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector at the beginning of a tenancy, and the tenant shall replace the batteries as needed during the tenancy. Failure of the tenant to replace the batteries as needed shall not be considered as negligence on the part of the tenant or the landlord. This subdivision applies only to dwelling units having a fossil-fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage. Provides for penalties. |
Similar in looks to a smoke detector, we encourage all homeowners to consider installing a CO detector in their home if they have any fossil fuel burning heater, appliance, fire place or an attached garage where an automobile may be housed.