Fire Inspection Before Selling Your Home

Selling your home?

Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 26F and 26F1/2, (also known as Nicole’s Law) mandate that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in a residence by the seller before any sale is completed. Carbon monoxide detectors are to be placed on every habitable level of the residence and where bedrooms are located no more than ten feet from every bedroom door.

When a bedroom is located off the kitchen, the smoke and carbon monoxide detector must be located in the kitchen. Smoke detectors should be installed at the base of every stairwell in the dwelling. Malden Fire Inspectors are available to assist with the layout of placement of detectors, however, there is a fee associated with this service.

Procedure

During an occupancy or smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspection, Fire Inspectors will inspect the entire dwelling and must be able to enter each room of the residence or property. There may be no keyed interior locked doors. All exits must be clear and exit doors operable.

The homeowner or a representative must be at the property during the inspection. Again, the Fire Department must have access to the entire dwelling.

Times Inspections Are Conducted

Smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspections are conducted on Tuesday and Thursday during the following times:

• 1&2 Family, Condo: 8:45 to 11 a.m.
• 3 Family & Above:   1 to 3:15 p.m.

Scheduling

To schedule an inspection, please do so using the Energov permitting system (PDF Instructions).  

Fees

Fees for services are as follows: