New York Carbon Monoxide Law

The New York carbon monoxide law demands that all one- and two- family dwellings have carbon monoxide detectors installed. The law also requires that condominiums and cooperative also have working carbon monoxide detectors installed. In addition, each unit of a multiple-family dwelling, like an apartment building, should have an operable carbon monoxide alarm.

The law was passed in August 2009 and was known as “Amanda’s Law.” Amanda was a sixteen-year-old who died on January 17, 2009. The cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning. The toxic gas leaked from a defective boiler while Amanda was sleeping at a friend’s house.

Under this law, dwellings built before January 1, 2008 are permitted to have battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms. Dwellings that were built after this particular date are required to have carbon monoxide alarms hardwired into the building.

In addition, the law requires that contractors install a carbon monoxide alarm while replacing a hot water tank or furnace if one is not already installed.

The requirement of a carbon monoxide alarm only applies to dwellings with appliances, devices, or systems that may emit carbon monoxide, or if there is an attached garage.

Commercial buildings and restaurants in New York are also required to have working carbon monoxide alarms. Commercial buildings include buildings that are not one-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, or buildings with townhouses.

The law applies to all without regard to whether or not the commercial building is new or existing, or for sale or not for sale. This law only applies to buildings with a carbon monoxide source or is attached to a garage or other motor vehicle occupancy.

The commercial buildings law took effect June 27, 2015, and allowed for a one-year transition period. Owners of commercial buildings were encouraged to install carbon monoxide alarms as quickly as possible.