When it comes to keeping tenants safe, landlords in Maryland must meet a range of legal responsibilities, and carbon monoxide detectors are one of them.
With the potential danger of carbon monoxide poisoning posing a serious threat in rental properties, the state has established clear requirements for installation and maintenance. If you’re a landlord or a tenant in Maryland, understanding what the law demands can prevent confusion, reduce liability, and save lives.
Carbon Monoxide Risks
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly when inhaled in large quantities.
It’s commonly produced by fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, and fireplaces. Without proper ventilation or functioning safety systems, these appliances can emit carbon monoxide that builds up quickly in enclosed spaces. Exposure can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and, in severe cases, death.
Because the gas is undetectable without a warning device, the installation of CO detectors is crucial in any residential building that contains potential sources of the gas. For renters, this makes it essential that landlords stay compliant with state safety laws and building codes.
Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Maryland law requires carbon monoxide detectors in certain types of residential properties. The law specifically applies to properties that rely on fossil fuel-burning equipment or have an attached garage.
This includes single-family homes, multi-family dwellings, and rental units. If a property contains any device that can produce carbon monoxide, the landlord must ensure that a properly working detector is installed.
According to the most recent legislative updates, these detectors must be installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the dwelling unit, including basements. Battery-powered or plug-in detectors are acceptable, but many newer buildings use detectors hardwired into the home’s electrical system.
Maryland also allows the use of combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, provided they meet the standards set by the State Fire Marshal.
Landlord Obligations
Landlords are responsible not just for the installation but also for the initial maintenance of carbon monoxide detectors. At the start of a lease, the landlord must verify that all required detectors are present and functioning properly. They must also provide tenants with written information on the testing and maintenance of the devices.
Once a tenant moves in, the responsibility for this testing and reporting shifts. Tenants are generally expected to test the detectors in their homes periodically and tell their landlord if a unit is malfunctioning.
However, landlords cannot ignore reports or allow non-functioning detectors to go unaddressed. They must repair or replace faulty units promptly to remain compliant with state law.
Failure to install or properly maintain carbon monoxide detectors as required can expose landlords to liability, especially if a tenant becomes ill or dies as a result of exposure. The law views this as a serious breach of duty, and consequences may include civil penalties, lawsuits, and possibly even criminal charges (in extreme cases).
Exemptions and Limitations
There are some exceptions to Maryland’s carbon monoxide detector requirements.
For example, if a property has no fuel-burning appliances and no attached garage, the law may not require a detector. Additionally, some older properties may qualify for limited exemptions depending on the building’s age and heating systems. However, these cases are rare, and it’s usually safer to install detectors even when the law may not clearly mandate them.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and local fire authorities encourage installation in almost all residential settings. Safety often exceeds minimum compliance, especially in older or partially renovated buildings where hidden risks may exist.
Tenants Role
While a landlord has the majority of responsibility in complying with installation and maintenance requirements, tenants have a role in ensuring ongoing safety as well. They should never disable or remove detectors and should test them regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If a device begins to beep or fails to respond during a test, tenants need to report it to the landlord as soon as possible.
If a landlord refuses to act on maintenance concerns related to carbon monoxide detectors, tenants may have legal recourse. Maryland law gives renters certain protections and options, including withholding rent or seeking remedies in housing court when a landlord fails to meet health and safety standards.
Why Compliance Matters
Installing carbon monoxide detectors isn’t just about following the law—it’s about protecting lives.
Each year, carbon monoxide poisoning sends thousands of people to the emergency room, and many cases occur in residential settings. Children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health issues are particularly vulnerable. For landlords, the relatively low cost and effort of installing detectors far outweigh the potential consequences of failing to act.
Insurance companies may also consider detector compliance when evaluating claims. If a fire or CO-related incident occurs and detectors were not properly installed, insurance coverage may be limited or denied.
Ensuring that detectors are in place and working helps preserve both physical safety and financial security.
Yes, Maryland landlords are required to install carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties that contain fossil fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.
The state’s laws are designed to protect tenants from invisible but deadly dangers. Landlords must install, maintain, and verify these detectors at the start of every lease. Tenants, in turn, should remain vigilant and report any issues promptly.
Together, compliance and awareness make residential properties safer and more secure for everyone who lives in them.
If you’ve suffered from carbon monoxide exposure due to a landlord’s negligence, the experienced personal injury attorneys at GDH Law can help.
