New smoke detector disclosure requirements will impact Connecticut home sellers

In case you missed it, we wanted to bring to your attention a change in state law that will impact home sellers beginning Oct. 1.

Public Act 22-75 amends Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-453 to require that sellers of a one or two-family home not only sign an affidavit certifying there are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on the premises (or credit the buyer $250) but also certify that those detectors comply with fire and building codes, among other requirements.  In addition to the items presently required by state statute, effective Oct. 1 the affidavit sellers must also include:

• The detectors comply with the Fire Safety Code, the State Fire Prevention Code, and the State Building Code.
• The equipment must be powered by the household’s electrical service, except that it may be battery-powered if the building permit for new occupancy was issued prior to October 1, 1976.
• If the building permit for new occupancy was issued on or after October 16, 1989, the equipment must be interconnected so that the activation of one alarm on the premises activates all of the alarms.
• If the building permit for new occupancy was issued on or after May 1, 1999, equipment is located in all sleeping areas.

Sellers should be aware of these changes going into a real estate closing, as it will increase their obligation if they do not wish to issue a credit.

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