Cambridge enforces strict smoke and carbon monoxide detector rules under MGL c.148 s.26F and 527 CMR 1.00. Cambridge Fire Department inspects every home at point of sale and issues a required Certificate of Compliance.
Massachusetts law requires photoelectric smoke alarms on every level of a residence, inside and outside each sleeping area, under MGL c.148 s.26F and s.26F1/2. Carbon monoxide alarms are separately required on every level where there is a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage, under MGL c.148 s.26F1/2 and Nicoles Law. Cambridge Fire Department conducts a mandatory smoke and CO inspection before every residential sale or transfer and issues a Certificate of Compliance that closing attorneys require. Homes built before 1975 may use battery-only alarms, but newer homes and any home undergoing significant renovation must have hardwired, interconnected alarms with battery backup. Sealed 10-year battery alarms are required as replacements for any battery-only units. Cambridge Fire Prevention can be reached at 617-349-4900 to schedule inspections.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle smoke detectors.
See how Cambridge's smoke detectors rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.