Hempstead, NY Building Safety: Carbon Monoxide Detectors (2026)

Section 99-17 finds that carbon monoxide poisoning from fuel-burning appliances, equipment and vehicles is a preventable danger and requires every rental dwelling containing a fuel-burning appliance to install and maintain, in good working condition, a carbon monoxide alarm with battery backup if electrically powered; the alarm may be combined with a smoke detector that meets the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Alarms must be installed adjacent to every bedroom per manufacturer specifications, plus any additional location the Code Enforcement Official deems necessary, and each unit must meet UL 2034 or an equivalent nationally recognized testing standard.

Owners must complete a Town of Hempstead carbon monoxide detector certificate of installation and deliver it to the Code Enforcement Official before receiving or renewing a rental permit, and must replace any alarm reported stolen, removed, missing or disabled within five days of notice from the occupant. Occupants, in turn, must notify the owner in writing of any missing or disabled alarm and must test, maintain and replace batteries at least every six months. Disabling an installed alarm by breaking it, painting over it, taping it, removing the battery or any other method is prohibited, except for the normal act of swapping batteries.