MN Stat. 299.51
What is it?
The new carbon monoxide alarm law requires that “every single-family dwelling and every dwelling unit in a multifamily dwelling” have “an approved and operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within ten feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes.” This law was effective as of August 1, 2007 for newly-constructed homes, and just became effective August 1, 2008 for all existing single-family dwelling units. It becomes effective August 1, 2009 for existing multifamily dwelling units. The alarms must be an approved device (conforming to UL2034 standards) and may be hardwired, plugged in, or battery-powered (if attached to the wall).
What does it mean to you?
If you are a seller, it is your direct obligation to equip your home with these alarms. If you are a buyer, be sure the home you are purchasing is equipped with these detectors. As your realtor, we will do our best to verify our sellers are complying with this law before listing or selling the property. As a seller, simply disclosing the lack of having the required alarms in lieu of installing them, in an attempt to avoid responsibility for the cost of adding the alarms, is an unwise course of action.
What should you do?
Be in compliance with the law. We will be spreading this news among our buyers and sellers. Help us do the same by telling you friends and family.
Source: New MN Law for Carbon Monoxide Alarms – Protection for Buyers; Surprise to Sellers (MAR 8/12/08)
