Law SB 183 The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act: Effective July 1, 2011
To all CA agents who might not already know , California's SB 183 carbon monoxide law will be required for all existing homes that are owner occupied or tenant occupied.
The new law basically conists of the following:
1. All existing single-family homes that contain a gas heater or appliance, fireplace or an attached garage must install carbon monoxide alarms
2. Carbon Monoxide alarms must be either battery-powered or plug-in with battery backup.
3. CO alarms must be installed outside of sleeping areas and on every level of a dwelling, including the basement.
4. Non compliance will be an "infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $200 for each offense."
All other homes will be required to be compliant beginning January 1, 2013. Units can range in cost from around $15 - $100. The plug in with battery backup seem to be the most economical. The model CO615 from "First Alert" cost around $30 each.
Here is some of the exact verbage for what qualifies for a detector and the actual code:
http://law.justia.com/codes/california/2010/hsc/13260-13263.html
There can be penalities and fines if this is not followed! Failure to install these monitors can cost you a maximum of $200.00 per offense with 30 days to comply. This bill is also required for Landlords or property managers of multi-unit dwellings intended for human occupancy.
Some recommended places to have these monitors and where not to have them are:
1. do NOT place the devices in any humid areas i.e. bathrooms or kitchens
2. DO place 10-15 feet of all bedrooms
3. do NOT place in laundry rooms but DO place outside these areas.
ftp://leginfo.public.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_183_bill_20100507_chaptered.pdf
Whether we agree with this law or not no longer matters, it has already passed. Add one more law in the books for California! Let your clients know so you don't run into one more potential delay in a transaction. Please research further if you would like, there are many informitive articles.
If we can assist you in a home inspection or more information, please feel free to give us a call!
Brian Halliday
Halliday Home Inspections (951) 694-8992
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