Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Rental and cooperative building owners are required by law to provide and properly install at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of the primary entrance to each sleeping room. This applies to all one- and two-family homes and residential buildings with three or more units.
Carbon monoxide detectors are required to be replaced as their useful life expires. After this replacement, property owners are required to replace carbon monoxide detectors as their useful life expires according to the manufacturer's instructions, 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 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 one year to make the payment.
Smoke Detectors
Local Law 62 (1981) requires rental and cooperative building owners to install one or more smoke detectors in each unit. It is the tenant's responsibility to maintain them. The City investigates housing complaints and gives tickets to owners who break the law.
Smoke detectors should be placed between sleeping areas and the rest of the unit. If there is more than 15 feet between sleeping areas, a smoke detector should be provided for each sleeping area. If there are multiple levels in the unit, smoke detectors should be provided for each level. If mounted on the ceiling, the edge of the smoke detector should be no more than 4 inches from the wall. If mounted on the wall, the edge of the smoke detector should be between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
Learn more about carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
