Building owners are required to install carbon monoxide detectors (alarms) in:
For multiple dwellings and one- and two-family homes, you must install detectors within 15 feet of the primary entrance to each sleeping room.
To report a broken or missing carbon monoxide detector in a rental unit, use the Apartment Maintenance Complaint page.
You may not be able to get a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy or a final Certificate of Occupancy until detectors are properly in place.
Carbon monoxide detectors are required to be replaced as their useful life expires, according to the manufacturer's instructions and based on the original date of installation. The replacement device must be a model that has an end-of-life alarm.
While owners are required to install and replace carbon monoxide detectors, tenants are responsible for maintaining them and changing the batteries. Tenants must pay the owner $25 when the owner installs a new carbon monoxide detector, replaces a carbon monoxide detector that has reached the end of its useful life, or replaces one that the tenant lost or damaged. Tenants have up to 1 year to make the payment.
Co-ops and Condos
For owner-occupied co-ops and condos, the board and the shareholders must decide who is responsible for installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tenants
Tell your landlord if you are a deaf or hard of hearing tenant who cannot hear sounds from a standard carbon monoxide or smoke detector. The landlord is required to install a detector that fits your needs. Usually, these detectors have a strobe light and must be hardwired into the building's electrical system.
Exempt Buildings
If your building has no fossil fuel burning furnaces or boilers, some units may be exempt from carbon monoxide rules. Additional information is available on the Department of Buildings website.
Installation by Tenant
Owners are required to provide and install at least one carbon monoxide detector in each apartment. Tenants can install a carbon monoxide detector, but they need to have an agreement with the owner to do it. This agreement should provide the owner access to the apartment to confirm the device is approved, installed properly, and working. If the tenant and landlord have such an agreement, the tenant does not have to pay the $25.
Non-Residential and Commercial Buildings
There is no requirement to install carbon monoxide detectors in commercial buildings, unless they are mixed with residential units. If there are residential units, these units need to have detectors.
Most hardware and drugstores sell carbon monoxide detectors marked "UL."
For existing buildings, carbon monoxide detectors can be battery-operated or can plug into an electrical outlet. Detectors that plug into an outlet must have a battery backup in case the power goes out. New buildings or substantially improved buildings must have detectors that are hard-wired to the building's electrical systems.
You may install a combination smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tenants
Tell your landlord if you are a deaf or hard of hearing tenant who cannot hear sounds from a standard carbon monoxide or smoke detector. The landlord is required to install a detector that fits your needs. Usually, these detectors have a strobe light and must be hardwired into the building's electrical system.
When an owner installs a carbon monoxide detector, the owner must file a certificate of installation within 10 days of installing a carbon monoxide detector. You may file the certification electronically. Copies of the Certificate are also available at any of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development's (HPD) Code Enforcement borough offices.
Owners are also required to install signage and provide tenants with notice about the Carbon Monoxide detector legal requirements and manufacturer’s recommendations, as well as to keep records regarding carbon monoxide detector installation.
Learn more about HPD's carbon monoxide requirements.
For more information about HPD Code Enforcement borough offices use the, HPD Building Information and Code Enforcement Borough Service Centers page.
