Carbon Monoxide detectors mandated by insurance carrier???

Question

My insurance carrier does inspections on my properties which is fine. For one property they sent me a letter with two items to fix within 3 weeks. The one was to cover an open junction box near a heater. That seems like a reasonable request. However, the other is to install a carbon monoxide detector within 15 feet of entry of every bedroom in the house.  I have over 35 doors so if they start mandating that for all my properties that's a lot of money. I can see requiring one for the house. Has anybody heard of such a requirement?  Maybe it's the norm and I am just out of it but I have never heard of such a requirement by an insurance company.  This is a single family home in Memphis fwiw.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Brian Pulaski · Answer

Just be lucky they aren't requiring hard wired smoke/COs. On my last project they did, one on each floor and one in each bedroom (forget which was smoke and which was CO).

Eric Siebert · Answer

As a professional firefighter in Omaha I can tell you that a chimney is not what dictates the need for a CO monitor. There are many areas of gas fired appliances that can go bad and build up CO in the home. It's cheap piece of mind knowing that you are providing a safer environment for your tenants. New Smoke/CO combination detectors are generally good, including the batteries, for 10 years, as stated on their boxes. Professionally, change them out every 7 years.  Small price to pay for making sure that your tenants don't wake up dead.

Jon Holdman · Answer

Absolutely.  The insurance company demanded a new roof on my grandma's house in order to renew her policy.

I have a hard time imaging that if you're collecting rent from 100 bedrooms that buying enough CO detectors to cover those would be a financial hardship.

Pat L. · Answer

We are mandated to have hard wired interconnected smoke/CO detectors & now fire sprinkler systems in all multi-units. I have a feeling it's coming so get ready for it.

Over the last 10 years any SFH (in our town) being rehabbed also required an upper window egress installed. Smoke/CO detectors outside every bedroom, the stairways, all other rooms & in the basement near the furnaces/HW tanks etc. Our Hi-Effic furnaces & on-demand HW tanks are direct vent but still need the detectors, no exceptions.

Having installed the fire sprinkler system I would definitely do it on any future new build.

Jason Arms · Answer

Hey John,

This would be the first time I have heard of this but, I would also check ebay and google they do have some shoping areas you could buy in bulk.

I would check with another insurance company just to make sure you getting the best price too! I have a couple people I can refer you to if you would like to message me Thanks,  Jason

Sam Shueh · Answer

CO and ionization type with 10 year battery is required in CA. All new homes each BR has a smoke and fire detector.  There is no mandatory requirement on used homes and having too many will drive occupants crazy. The dust will cause them to go off.

Suggest you get approval in writing from insurance company why you only install in where needed. Taking photos. Furnace, water heater-gas and central location downstairs and upstairs. In the mean time, shop for another insurance company.  Amazon is the place to order detectors in bulk qty.

Sam Shueh · Answer

CO and smoke detectors with 10 year battery life is required in CA. All new homes each BR has a fire detector.  There is no mandatory requirement on used and having too many will drive occupants crazy. The dust will cause them to go off.

Suggest you get in writing why you only install in where needed. Furnace, water heater-gas and central location. In the mean time shop for another insurance company.

John P. · Answer

I don’t think I said it’s a financial hardship.  In my initial mistaken belief of one per room I was picturing 100 x $40 (for 10 year battery units) plus installation as all properties are out of state. So in total it would be enough money I thought it was worth asking here. Thanks for your input nonetheless.

Deanna McCormick · Answer

lots of city inspectors are requiring them also, not surprizing

Carbon Monoxide detectors mandated by insurance carrier???

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