houseonfireAll houses built before 1975 need to be equipped with 10-year smoke detectors. Current law requires that smoke detectors be replaced every 10 years, but most people don’t do it. The new rule, detectors will have sealed 10-year batteries. When the battery squeaks, it is time to replace the whole unit.

Here’s the thought behind the change in the smoke detector law:

People die when their smoke detectors are too old to work or have their batteries removed. Therefore, make smoke detectors that do not have removable batteries. When the battery dies (in 10 years), a new detector is needed (and it will be to the current standards.)

smoke_detectorEquipment cost: A 10-year, sealed battery smoke detector sells for around $25. The kind that uses replaceable batteries sells for around $14. When you add the cost of batteries, the 10-year use units won’t cost much more.

What it means to buyers:

Delay of closing! At closing, sellers must have a certificate from the local fire department that states that fire safety equipment is up to code. A fire safety staff person comes to the house or condo. Appointments for these meetings can take weeks to schedule. If an agent has the old-type, replaceable battery detectors installed, another appointment will be needed to show the fire department personnel the correct detectors.

If you are closing in December, 2016, a clueless seller’s agent may create a delay in your closing. If your mortgage rate lock expires, this could cause you to do additional mortgage paperwork and possibly pay additional banking fees.

You are obligated by law to replace your smoke detectors every 10 years. Now your detectors will squeak at you when they are ready to be replaced. Will this save lives? My opinion? In owner occupied houses, yes. In rentals, I am more doubtful.

What this means to sellers:

Chances are, you or your agent will be replacing all your smoke detectors before you close in order to have 10-year detectors for approval by the fire department. So, don’t go out and buy new ones that use replaceable batteries.