Act 458 and it's New Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Detectors
An Update on ACT 458
In the past few weeks, you have probably heard a lot of conflicting things about a new law that will require carbon monoxide detectors to be in every home sold or leased beginning next year.
This conflicting information led the Office of the State Fire Marshal to work with Louisiana REALTORS®, the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, the Louisiana State Home Inspectors Board, and others to develop guidance on this subject for you and your clients.
For REALTORS®, the important things to know are:
1. As of January 1, 2023, and from there on out, every one and two-family dwelling must have at least one operable, life-long, sealed battery carbon monoxide (CO) detector when the dwelling is transferred (sold, donated, etc.) or leased.
2. This new requirement will apply to any age dwelling and whether or not the dwelling has gas service.
3. The law provides that a real estate agent will not be held liable for a seller’s failure to follow the new law.
For those who would like to read the entirety of this guidance including recommendations about placement of carbon monoxide detectors and a refresher on smoke alarms, please see below. A link to the Fire Marshal’s office is also available for your needs.
