Cambridge, MA Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- MGL c.148 s.26F
- Photoelectric alarms
- Required within 20 feet of kitchens
- CO alarms
- Every level with fuel appliance
- Point of sale inspection
- Mandatory
- Inspection contact
- 617-349-4900
Summary
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.
Section 26F: Residential buildings or structures; equipping with smoke detectors upon sale or transfer
Section 26F. All buildings or structures occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes and not regulated by sections twenty-six A, twenty-six B or twenty-six C shall, upon the sale or transfer of such building or structure, be equipped by the seller with approved smoke detectors as provided in section twenty-six E.
The head of the fire department shall enforce the provisions of this section. The provisions of section thirty shall not apply to this section.
Full Breakdown
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace battery smoke alarms before selling my Cambridge home?
How do I schedule a Cambridge smoke certificate inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
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