The rules for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors vary from state to state. As per Pennsylvania state law, all residential units in Pittsburgh require functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Complying with all state and federal rules can help you sell a house fast in Pittsburgh and close the deal without any hassles.
Here’s a quick overview of Pennsylvania state rules on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Do I Need Smoke Alarms in My House in Pittsburgh?
Smoke alarms are a must in all residential units in Pennsylvania. Here are the key points to know about installing smoke alarms in your Pittsburgh home:
- If the smoke alarm is solely battery operated, it must have 10-year sealed batteries.
- Residential units, including apartments and one- and two-family dwellings built on or after January 1, 1988, must have hard-wired smoke alarms installed during construction.
Do I Need Carbon Monoxide Detectors in My House in Pittsburgh?
Carbon monoxide alarms are also required in all newly constructed townhouses and one and two-family dwellings with attached garages. Homeowners in Pittsburgh must disclose whether their homes are equipped with a CO alarm near each bedroom.
How Can I Get the Certificate of Compliance for Fire Safety in Pittsburgh?
Use these steps to ensure that your home meets all smoke alarm and carbon monoxide requirements to get a compliance certificate before selling the property.
- Find out when the home was constructed. Also, check the date of the last building permit issued for renovations. If you don’t have this information, you can contact the local building department to get these details.
- Schedule an inspection by the local fire department as soon as you have fixed the closing date. The local fire department will send a team to inspect your home and issue the certificate of compliance.
You can follow these suggestions to ensure that your home passes the smoke alarm inspection without any issues.
- Go through the minimum smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in residential homes in the city.
- Make a list of the location of all smoke alarms and CO detectors in your home.
- Find out the age of each alarm. The date of manufacture is usually printed on the back or front of it, and you might have to remove the alarm from the bracket to get this information. Make sure to replace and test it once you finish.
- If your alarm has no date, it means it’s expired and needs to be replaced.
- If you replace old alarms with new ones, test them to ensure that they are in working condition.
If you require further assistance or clarifications regarding fire alarm compliance, you can reach out to your local fire department. You can also contact our team. As the leading cash home buyers in Pittsburgh, we’ve dealt with properties of all ages and in all conditions. Our team can help you with whatever you need before selling your home.