Massachusetts: Rules by state

Massachusetts ties home transfers directly to smoke and carbon monoxide compliance: sellers generally need a local fire department Certificate of Compliance before a sale or transfer can close. The exact detector setup depends on when the home was built and when permits were issued for renovations, so Massachusetts owners are told to check both the fire department guide and their permit history. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/preparing-your-home-for-a-smoke-and-co-alarm-inspection?utm_source=openai))

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

Official resources in Massachusetts

Preparing Your Home for a Smoke and CO Alarm Inspection

Massachusetts DFS page explaining the certificate requirement, inspection process, and how sellers should prepare for a smoke and CO inspection.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Massachusetts DFS page summarizing current smoke-alarm and CO-alarm replacement and placement rules, including sealed-battery guidance.

M.G.L. c. 148, § 26F

Official statute requiring approved smoke detectors upon sale or transfer and assigning enforcement to the head of the fire department.

M.G.L. c. 148, § 26F1/2

Official statute requiring carbon monoxide alarms in covered residences and requiring fire-department inspection upon sale or transfer.

Fire Safety Division Forms and Applications

Massachusetts DFS forms page listing the application for a Certificate of Compliance for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

Key facts for Massachusetts

For a sale or transfer, Massachusetts requires a local fire department Certificate of Compliance for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/preparing-your-home-for-a-smoke-and-co-alarm-inspection?utm_source=openai))
Smoke-detector compliance at transfer comes from M.G.L. c. 148, §26F; the seller must equip the property with approved smoke detectors. ([malegislature.gov](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter148/Section26F?utm_source=openai))
Carbon-monoxide compliance at transfer comes from M.G.L. c. 148, §26F1/2; the residence must be inspected by the head of the fire department. ([malegislature.gov](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter148/Section26F1~2?utm_source=openai))
Massachusetts says replacement battery-operated smoke alarms in most homes must have a sealed long-life battery and a hush feature. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms?utm_source=openai))
Massachusetts says CO alarms are required on every level in most residences; on sleeping levels, install them within 10 feet of bedroom doors. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms?utm_source=openai))
The official pages found did not identify a separate statewide fire-extinguisher requirement tied specifically to a home sale or transfer. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/preparing-your-home-for-a-smoke-and-co-alarm-inspection?utm_source=openai))

Town certificate details in Massachusetts

Town	fee	lead time	valid	apply	Details
Adams Berkshire	—	—	—	Contact the Adams Fire District for the required pre-sale smoke and carbon monoxide inspection.	The Adams Fire District FAQ cites MGL c.148 sections 26F and 26F 1/2 for residential sales or transfers.
Agawam Hampden	—	—	—	Apply in the OpenGov online permitting system and wait for emailed payment and scheduling instructions.	Agawam conducts smoke and carbon monoxide inspections Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Andover Essex	$50 single-family	2 to 3 weeks to obtain an appointment	—	Request and prepay online or visit the Fire Prevention Office in Town Hall.	Residential inspections are scheduled Tuesday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Attleboro Bristol	$50 one-family; $100 two-family; $150 three- to five-family; $50 per unit for 6+ units (max $500)	—	—	Use Attleboro Fire permits or online payments for residential smoke and CO detector inspections.	Attleboro separately publishes reinspection fees of $50 for 1-2 family, $100 for 3-5 family, and $250 for 6+ units.
Auburn Worcester	$50 per inspection	—	—	Use the fire permit/application listed on the town's Permit Fees page.	The town lists 'Residential Smoke Detector - 26F' at $50 per inspection.
Barnstable Barnstable	$25	—	60 days	Submit the signed FP-007C application to Barnstable Fire Department headquarters; photocopies are not accepted.	Barnstable's form states only original wet signatures will be accepted.
Belchertown Hampshire	$50	—	—	Contact the Fire-Rescue Department during walk-in hours or by department contact.	Belchertown's Fire-Rescue page says permit fees for smoke inspections are $50.
Beverly Essex	$50 per dwelling unit	—	—	Call the office to schedule and bring a check payable to the City of Beverly at inspection.	Beverly says ionization alarms will not pass and only photoelectric alarms should be installed.
Boston Suffolk	—	Minimum 10 business days advance notice	—	Apply through the Fire Prevention Portal online.	Boston says there is no guarantee the inspection will be scheduled before the closing date.
Bourne Barnstable	—	—	—	Apply and pay through the Residential Resale Inspection Application, then call Fire Prevention to schedule.	Bourne's page labels the resale inspection as a Certificate of Compliance or 26F inspection.
Braintree Norfolk	$75	At least 2 weeks before closing	60 days	Call 781-843-3600 option 4 to schedule.	Braintree accepts only a bank check or money order payable to the Town of Braintree for this inspection.
Bridgewater Plymouth	—	—	—	Start in the online permitting portal and then follow the posted 26F inspection scheduling process.	Bridgewater asks homeowners to be ready 15 minutes before the scheduled window in case crews arrive early.
Brookline Norfolk	—	Choose 3 dates at least 14 days away	—	Register in Accela and apply online for the inspection.	Brookline performs inspections from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays.
Burlington Middlesex	$25	—	—	Call Fire Headquarters at 781-270-1925 and give the inspector the completed form and check at the inspection.	Burlington says cash will not be accepted by the inspector.
Cambridge Middlesex	—	—	—	Apply online; in-person applications are no longer available.	For properties with fewer than 6 units, Cambridge’s form says inspections are done Tuesday and Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Canton Norfolk	$50; $15 added for each reinspection after a failed first inspection	—	—	Use the residential smoke-detector inspection process on the Fire Department page to schedule.	Canton expressly adds a $15 fee every time a house fails the first inspection and must be inspected again.
Chatham Barnstable	—	—	—	Send in the Residential Resale Inspection Application to Chatham Fire Prevention.	Chatham's form says photoelectric smoke detectors are required within 20 feet of a kitchen or bath.
Chicopee Hampden	$25 1 unit; $50 2 units; $75 3-6 units; $250 7+ units	Inspection times are set at the inspectors' discretion.	—	Use Chicopee's online permits and licenses system to request a Fire Department inspection.	The posted permit-fee PDF lists Smoke & CO Detector Compliance charges by unit count.
Danvers Essex	—	—	—	Apply through the town's online permits and inspections portal under Fire Prevention.	Danvers directs applicants to the Apply for Permits and Inspections page for smoke inspection information.
Dartmouth Fire District 2 Bristol	$40 residential; $125 for 3+ dwelling units	—	60 days	Apply through Dartmouth Fire District 2's permit process for smoke/carbon monoxide inspections.	Dartmouth Fire District 2 also lists a $40 smoke/carbon monoxide reinspection fee.
Dennis Barnstable	$50	—	—	Apply and pay in the Dennis OpenGov portal, then call Fire Prevention to schedule.	Dennis says smoke alarms must be photoelectric.
Dover Norfolk	$40	—	—	Apply in OpenGov and pay through the town’s online payment link.	Dover’s official fire FAQ sends applicants directly to OpenGov for smoke-detector inspections.
East Bridgewater Plymouth	—	Allow up to 14 days; the office says it responds within 3 business days	—	Complete the Request a 26F Inspection application on ebfire.org and wait for Fire Prevention to contact you.	East Bridgewater asks that all pets be secured during the inspection.
East Longmeadow Hampden	—	—	—	Call the Fire Department to schedule a Certificate of Compliance inspection.	The Inspection Division issues a Certificate of Compliance after a successful inspection for smoke detector compliance.
Fairhaven Bristol	$50	Email confirmation within 1 business day; inspections are Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1:15 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.	—	Complete the Smoke/Heat Detector Form online; the department emails back your appointment.	Fairhaven only conducts these inspections on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Falmouth Barnstable	$50; $50 reinspection in listed cases	—	60 days	Apply online or in person at 399 Main Street and pay when scheduling.	Falmouth requires an NFPA 72 alarm test and sensitivity report for low-voltage monitored systems dated within 1 year of closing.
Fitchburg Worcester	$50 1 unit/condo; $100 2 units; $150 3-6 units; $500 7+ units; $25 reinspection	At least 2 weeks before closing.	60 days from date of issue.	Call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 978-345-9672 to schedule.	Fitchburg states that transferred residential properties must have hard-wired photoelectric smoke detectors with battery backup.
Gloucester Essex	—	—	—	Schedule the real-estate transfer appointment through Gloucester's online permitting center on ViewPoint Cloud.	Gloucester says failed inspections require a reinspection and payment of the reinspection fee.
Grafton Worcester	$50 single-family; $100 two-family; $150 up to 6 units; $500 7+ units; reinspections are 1/2 the original fee	Currently booking up to one month out.	—	Apply online or contact the Fire Department after you set the closing date.	The department says not to wait until the last minute because inspection slots fill quickly.
Great Barrington Berkshire	—	—	—	Call 413-528-0788 or email the Fire Department to schedule an inspection.	The fire page lists inspection scheduling hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Hadley Hampshire	—	—	—	Submit the completed 26F/26F1/2 sale or transfer inspection form to 15 East Street.	Hadley publishes a fillable certificate-of-compliance application for smoke and carbon monoxide inspections for sale or transfer.
Hampden Hampden	—	—	—	Call 413-566-3314 to schedule smoke and carbon monoxide inspections.	The inspections page lists oil burner, smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspections under the same scheduling phone number.
Haverhill Essex	$50 single-family; $100 two-family; $150 up to 6 units; $500 over 6 units	—	—	Schedule and pay for the inspection online through the city portal.	Haverhill says the unit must be unoccupied, clean, empty, and move-in ready for inspection.
Leominster Worcester	$25 per dwelling unit	—	—	Contact the Fire Department; the city fire page links its Smoke and CO requirements PDF.	The city code sets the fee for smoke detector inspection for homes for sale or transfer at $25 per dwelling unit.
Lexington Middlesex	$50 sale/transfer inspection; $50 reinspection upon failure	—	—	Apply in OpenGov and pay online or by check before the inspection.	Lexington requires payment before the inspection is performed.
Longmeadow Hampden	$50 one-time fee upon issuance of certificate	—	—	Use the Smoke Detector Inspections Scheduler and pay online or by check before the inspection.	The town says the $50 fee may be paid online before the inspection or by check to the Town of Longmeadow.
Malden Middlesex	$50 single-family; $100 two-family; $150 for 3-6 units; $500 over 6 units	—	—	Apply and pay in Energov; the Fire Prevention Clerk then calls to schedule.	Malden schedules sale inspections on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Marblehead Essex	$50 single-family	—	—	Use the online permit application or contact Fire Inspection for permit processing.	Fire Inspection hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Mashpee Barnstable	—	—	—	File a Certificate of Compliance permit in PermitEyes, pay online, then call 508-539-1454.	Mashpee says homeowners and realtors selling a home should use the Certificate of Compliance permit.
Medfield Norfolk	$50 per unit up to $500 per building	—	—	Use the Medfield Fire permits page for the 26F/26F1/2 permit.	Medfield publishes a maximum charge of $500 per building for 26F/26F1/2 inspections.
Melrose Middlesex	$50 single-family; $100 two-family	Scheduling may take up to a month	—	Call 781-979-4405 to schedule the inspection.	Melrose schedules smoke and carbon monoxide resale inspections on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.
Methuen Essex	$50 per unit	—	—	Call the Fire Department for inspection help and use the department's posted smoke/CO guidance.	Methuen's fire fee schedule publishes a $50 per-unit reinspection fee as well.
Millbury Worcester	—	Request 2 weeks before closing; requester is contacted within 5 to 7 days after confirmation.	—	Call the Fire Department business office at 508-865-5328 or stop in the office.	The town FAQ says smoke detector inspections are usually required when selling or buying a home.
Milton Norfolk	$50	Same day if you call between 8:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.	—	Call the Milton Fire Department between 8:15 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to schedule.	Milton takes a money order or real-estate check payable to the Town of Milton upon successful inspection.
Monson Hampden	$50 one- and two-family; $150 three- to five-family; $25 failed reinspection	—	—	Contact Monson Fire and Emergency Services for the smoke/CO inspection.	The posted fee schedule says cash is not accepted for permit payments.
Needham Norfolk	$50	—	60 days	Apply through the Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Compliance permit in ViewPoint Cloud.	Needham’s certificate form states that any certificate expires 60 days after issuance.
Newton Middlesex	$50 single-family; 6-25 units $10/unit; 26+ units $250 plus $5/unit	—	—	Email or fax the residential Smoke/CO application to Fire Prevention.	Newton warns that if you miss or are late for the appointment, you must reschedule and pay again.
North Adams Berkshire	$10	—	—	Use the Fire Department certificate of compliance process described in the city permitting guide.	North Adams lists a $10 Certificate of Compliance for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarm.
North Andover Essex	$50 inspection fee	—	60 days	Apply through the OpenGov online permitting system for a 26F/26F 1/2 certificate.	North Andover says inspections are generally not scheduled until a firm closing date has been set.
Northampton Hampshire	$50 single-family; $100 two-family; $150 three- to six-family; $500 seven or more; $20 reinspection	At least 3 weeks before closing.	—	Call 413-587-1079 to schedule.	Northampton says battery-powered detectors must be 10-year sealed lithium powered.
Northborough Worcester	—	—	—	Use the town's resale inspection webform.	The official webform is specifically for smoke, heat and carbon monoxide resale inspections.
Orange Franklin	—	—	—	Use the town's online permitting link or contact the Fire Department from the department page.	Orange's Fire Department page links both a revised fee schedule PDF and smoke/carbon monoxide detector information.
Peabody Essex	$50 per unit for 1-2 units; $150 for 3-6 units; $500 for 7+ units	—	60 days	Use the payment center form for Smoke/Carbon Monoxide and enter your preferred inspection date.	Peabody publishes a $25 reinspection fee if another visit is needed.
Plymouth Plymouth	—	—	—	Submit the official 26F resale application form to the Fire Prevention & Code Compliance Division.	Plymouth's form says battery and hardwired detectors cannot be more than 10 years old and CO detectors not more than 7 years old.
Randolph Norfolk	$50 single-family; $100 two-family; $150 for 3-5 family; $500 for 6+ family	At least 48 hours	60 days	Submit the online smoke-detector and carbon-monoxide scheduling form.	Randolph says inspections are conducted 7 days a week between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Reading Middlesex	$50 single-family; $100 two units; $150 three-to-six units; $500 seven or more units; $50 reinspection	—	—	Apply and pay online through Reading’s smoke-detector inspection system.	Reading directs reinspection requests to 781-944-3132.
Rockland Plymouth	$50 per unit	—	—	Use the town's residential smoke/CO inspection scheduling page for 1-2 family inspections.	Rockland requires a certified alarm technician/company to be present for low-voltage hardwired systems.
Salem Essex	$50 one-family/condominium; $100 two-family; $150 three- to six-family; $500 more than six-family	—	—	Apply online through Salem's ViewPoint Cloud permits and 26F smoke inspections portal.	Salem's listed 26F fees include inspection and issuance of the certificate of compliance.
Saugus Essex	$50 per unit	—	60 days	Submit the smoke detector/CO alarm inspection PDF application with check payment to the town.	Saugus publishes a separate $50 per-unit smoke detector reinspection fee.
Scituate Plymouth	$50 one dwelling unit; $75 two units; $150 three to six units; $50 per unit over 6 (max $500/building)	—	—	Request the inspection through the town's online permit portal.	Scituate's posted permit fees are effective January 1, 2026.
Seekonk Bristol	$50 single-family	—	—	Apply and pay in the OpenGov Fire Department portal before scheduling.	Seekonk states the fee must be paid before an inspection can be scheduled.
Somerville Middlesex	$75 single-family; $125 two-family; $200 for 3-6 family; $750 for 7+ family	—	2 months	Use the Fire Prevention Bureau application/page for a Home Sale 26F inspection.	Somerville separately lists lower general smoke-detector permit fees and higher Home Sale 26F inspection fees.
Sunderland Franklin	—	At least 7 business days before closing or the requested inspection date.	60 days from successful inspection.	Email inspections@sunderlandfire.com or call 413-665-2465 option 1 to request a 26F inspection.	Sunderland says it checks detector expiration dates and visible house numbers during the inspection.
Wakefield Middlesex	—	—	—	Call 781-246-6435 and bring the completed application and payment to the Fire Department.	Wakefield says you receive the compliance form after the inspection.
Waltham Middlesex	$25/unit for 1-5 units; $150 for 6-12 units; $300 for 13-24 units; $500 for 25+ units	—	—	Pay online, then mail or bring the completed application, and call 781-314-3710 to schedule.	Waltham says completed applications must be mailed or brought in after payment because plans cannot be emailed.
Wellesley Norfolk	$50 one-family; $100 two-family; $150 three-to-five family; $500 six+ families	At least 10 business days before closing	60 days	Apply online in ViewPoint Cloud; the Fire Department follows up by email or phone.	Wellesley says 26F appointments are no longer scheduled over the phone and that the department responds within 2-5 business days after application.
Westborough Worcester	$50	No same-day appointments.	—	Complete the Permit Pro Smoke/CO application online, pay by card, then call 508-389-2313 to schedule.	Inspections take place Monday through Friday between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Westfield Hampden	—	—	—	Call 413-562-2329 option 1 or 413-572-6307 to schedule.	Beginning June 22, 2026, Westfield says inspections are scheduled Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
Westwood Norfolk	$40 single-family; $80 two-family; $120 three-family; $150 four-to-six units; $500 for 6+ units	—	60 days	Schedule the inspection through Westwood’s online portal.	Westwood’s home-sales page reminds sellers that certificates are valid for 60 days.
Wilbraham Hampden	$50 single/two-family; $150 3-5 units; $25 reinspection	—	—	Phone or email the Fire Prevention Officer to arrange the sale/transfer inspection.	Wilbraham posts its 2025 smoke detector and carbon monoxide sale/transfer fees on the Fire Prevention page.
Williamsburg Hampshire	$50 single dwelling; $100 two-family; $150 3-6 units; $500 7+ units; $20 reinspection	—	—	Call the Williamsburg Fire Department at 413-268-7233.	The fee schedule says checks must be made out to the Town of Williamsburg.
Williamstown Berkshire	—	At least 30 days in advance of sale.	—	Contact the Fire Department by phone or email once your closing date is confirmed.	Williamstown says most rush inspections or short turnarounds cannot be fulfilled.
Wilmington Middlesex	$25	—	—	Call 978-658-3346 and press 1 to schedule.	Wilmington schedules 26F inspections on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m., subject to emergency calls.
Winchester Middlesex	—	Book as soon as you have a firm closing date	60 days	Use the Winchester Fire Prevention scheduling link online.	Winchester says a failed first visit means a second trip and a second fee.
Woburn Middlesex	$50 one unit; $100 two units; $150 three-to-six units; $500 over six units	—	—	Use the Fire Prevention permit materials and pay by check or money order.	Woburn does not accept cash or credit cards for these permits.
Worcester Worcester	$50 single-family; $60 two-family; $70 three-family	—	—	Submit the smoke/CO resale form with a check or money order to the Fire Prevention Division at 25 Meade Street.	The Worcester resale application PDF lists separate residential fees for 1-, 2-, and 3-family homes.
Yarmouth Barnstable	$50 for 26F	Set up the appointment 2 to 3 weeks before closing	—	Book the 26F inspection through the online scheduling system.	Yarmouth's online scheduler says no-shows or noncompliance require a new application.

What to do next

Before listing, gather the home’s original build year and dates of any permitted renovations; Massachusetts uses those dates to determine which alarm configuration applies. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/preparing-your-home-for-a-smoke-and-co-alarm-inspection?utm_source=openai))
Book the inspection with your local fire department and use the state Certificate of Compliance application if your department requires it. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/lists/fire-safety-division-forms-and-applications?utm_source=openai))
Replace outdated battery smoke alarms with sealed long-life models with hush, and check the manufacture date on CO alarms because some 10-year sealed units are replaced as a whole device. ([mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/smoke-and-carbon-monoxide-alarms?utm_source=openai))

Helpful guides

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