Rules by state
Delaware
Delaware has a statewide smoke-detector statute, and its State Housing Code becomes applicable to an existing single-family owner-occupied home when that home is rented or sold. I found official Delaware sources for smoke alarms, the seller disclosure form, and Housing Code enforcement, but I did not find an official statewide transfer certificate requirement or a statewide 10-year sealed-battery-at-sale mandate for ordinary home resales. ([delcode.delaware.gov](https://www.delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c066/sc04/index.html?utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- At sale or transfer
- For Delaware 1-4 family transfers, I found seller-disclosure duties and Housing Code applicability upon sale, but no separate statewide smoke/CO alarm certificate requirement on the official pages reviewed. ([delcode.delaware.gov](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c025/sc07/index.html))
- Code reference
- 6 Del. C. §§2572-2573, 2576; 31 Del. C. §4105(c); 16 Del. C. §§6631-6632
Official resources in Delaware
Official Delaware statutes for residential smoke-detector requirements, installation rules, penalties, and broker non-verification language.
State Fire Marshal summary page residents can use for Delaware smoke-alarm basics and placement guidance.
Official State Fire Marshal page explaining Delaware’s carbon-monoxide detector law and where it applies.
Current state-approved seller disclosure form used in residential transfers; it asks whether smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
Official Housing Code scope and enforcement provisions, including applicability upon sale and who the code official is.
Key facts for Delaware
- Smoke alarms are required on each level of all 1- and 2-family dwellings, mobile homes, modular homes, and townhouses. ([statefiremarshal.delaware.gov](https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/special-programs/smoke-detectors/?utm_source=openai))
- Pre-July 8, 1993 homes need alarms outside sleeping areas and on each additional story, including basements. ([delcode.delaware.gov](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c066/sc04/?utm_source=openai))
- Real estate brokers and salespersons have no statutory duty to verify smoke-alarm compliance. ([delcode.delaware.gov](https://www.delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c066/sc04/index.html?utm_source=openai))
- Delaware’s seller disclosure form asks whether smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. ([dprfiles.delaware.gov](https://dprfiles.delaware.gov/realestate/FINAL_DREC%20Sellers%20Disclosure%20for%20Real%20Property%20Condition%20Report%209_17_2024.pdf))
- The State Housing Code begins applying to an existing single-family owner-occupied home upon rental or sale. ([delcode.delaware.gov](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title31/c041/sc01/index.html))
- Portable fire extinguishers must be visible, accessible, and maintained in safe operating condition under the State Housing Code. ([delcode.delaware.gov](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title31/c041/sc02/index.html))
What to do next
- Before listing, test every smoke alarm, confirm required locations, and note any nonworking smoke or CO detector for the disclosure form. ([statefiremarshal.delaware.gov](https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/special-programs/smoke-detectors/?utm_source=openai))
- Use the current DREC disclosure form and update it if detector status changes before final settlement. ([delcode.delaware.gov](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c025/sc07/index.html))
- Ask the local municipal or county code office whether it enforces the State Housing Code or an equal-or-stricter local housing code for your address. ([delcode.delaware.gov](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title31/c041/sc01/index.html))
Helpful guides
- Massachusetts 26F smoke and CO certificate: how it works
- New Jersey smoke, CO and fire extinguisher certificate for resale
- Where smoke alarms must go: levels, bedrooms and hallways
- Carbon monoxide alarm placement rules