cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

Text size: A A A

General Inspectors / Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Inspectors

The General Inspection Unit schedules and performs smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspections for residential structures involved in real estate transactions. The inspection verifies that both types of detectors are functioning and have been installed in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148. Please note that in buildings with six or more dwelling units the Boston Fire Department inspects and issues certificates for carbon monoxide detectors only. Contact the Inspectional Services Department electrical inspectors for smoke detector certificates in those buildings. In addition, General Inspectors investigate complaints received from either the public or other agencies regarding potential violations of applicable laws, codes and regulations.

Contact Us

Phone: 617-343-2191 - Note: Smoke and Carbon Monixde Detector Inspections cannot be scheduled on this line
Fax: 617-343-2197
Questions regarding previously requested smoke detector inspections can be e-mailed to: smokedetector.bfd@cityofboston.gov

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Inspections and Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

+Expand All Answers

How do I schedule a Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspection?: Use the online form or schedule in person at 1010 Massachusetts Ave., 4th Floor
Inspections are scheduled on a first come first serve basis only. We require a minimum of ten business days notice to schedule an inspection, and your preferred inspection days are not guaranteed.

How long is the Inspection Certificate valid for?: The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspection Certificate is only valid for 60 days from the date the inspection was performed.

What days are you in my neighborhood?: Please remember our inspectors are in your neighborhood on the scheduled days only. See the available Inspection Days by neighborhood. Inspectors are in the neighborhoods from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM and 12:30 to 3:00 PM.

What is the inspection fee?

At the time of inspection, please have a money order payable to the City of Boston for the correct amount.

Single or a condo unit	$50.00
Two Unit Dwelling	$100.00
Three – Six Dwellings*	$150.00
More than Six Unit Dwelling*	$500.00

*In buildings with six or more dwelling units the Boston Fire Department inspects and issues certificates for carbon monoxide detectors only. Please contact the Inspectional Services Department electrical inspectors for smoke detector certificates in those buildings.

Where do I locate my smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?

According to the Seventh Edition of 780 CMR: BUILDING PLANNING FOR SINGLE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS (Effective 1/1/08) with the appropriate sections cited below they are placed as follows:

Carbon Monoxide Detector Regulations

Smoke Detector Regulations

Smoke Detector Quick Reference Chart

Fire

City Departments

Important Safety Information from the Boston Fire Department

It is important that you take the following actions to minimize your risk of injury due to fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Important Safety Information from the Boston Fire Department
Candle Usage Guidelines, Definitions and Application for Candle Usage in a Place of Assembly

Effective November 1, 2011 the Boston Fire Department will require that the use of candles in a Place of Assembly be permitted as defined in the attached document.

Candle Usage Guidelines, Definitions and Application for Candle Usage in a Place of Assembly
New Requirements for Antifreeze Solutions in Sprinkler Systems

On July 1, 2011 the Boston Fire Department was directed by the State Fire Marshal’s Office to enforce the provisions of NFPA 25 published in March 2011, pertaining to the testing and replacement of noncompliant antifreeze solutions in existing antifreeze filled sprinkler systems.

New Requirements for Antifreeze Solutions in Sprinkler Systems
New Crowd Manager Regulations

According to 527 CMR 10.13 effective June 1, 2011 a trained crowd manager must be present in any Nightclub, Bar, Discotheque, or Dance Hall with an occupant load of 100 or more persons during all hours when the facility is open to patrons.

Mass. Dept. of Fire Services Information on Crowd Manager Designation

Privacy & Security

cityofboston.gov - Official Web Site of the City of Boston - Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

General Inspectors / Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Inspectors

Contact Us

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Inspections and Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Fire

Latest Fire Prevention News

Announcements

Related Links