Under new legislation signed into law early in 2006 by Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney, the Bay State has become the ninth state in the United states to mandate carbon monoxide detectors for residential dwellings.  The measure, which was supported by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors applies to single and multifamily housing units, as well as large complexes like hotels, motels and college dormitories. 

As stipulated by law, housing units that have enclosed parking or equipment such as boilers, furnaces or hot water heaters powered by gas, coal, oil or wood are required to have a working Carbon Monoxide Detector.  In most residences, compliance with the law will simply require installation of a battery-powered or plug-in detector.  However, hard-wired detectors will be mandated for large buildings with multiple units and other special cases.  These properties will have until January 1, 2007 to comply with the law.