Rules by state
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s current statewide rules for homes focus on whether required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and maintained under RSA 153:10-a and related fire-code rules. I did not find a current statewide seller transfer certificate or mandatory pre-closing inspection for ordinary home sales in the current statute text; New Hampshire also allows stricter local ordinances to remain in effect.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- At sale or transfer
- I found no current statewide New Hampshire law requiring a separate smoke/CO certificate or sale-transfer inspection for an ordinary home sale, but the dwelling still must meet RSA 153:10-a alarm requirements and any stricter local ordinance.
- Code reference
- RSA 153:10-a; Saf-C 6010.01; RSA 155-A:7
Official resources in New Hampshire
Current state statute for smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in dwellings, including single-family dwellings, rentals, and multi-unit dwellings.
Current fire-code rules showing owner maintenance duties and enforcement authority under the state fire code.
Shows that the local fire chief enforces the state fire code, with state fire marshal involvement where applicable.
Official Fire Marshal bulletin explaining when CO alarms are required in single-family dwellings and the garage/combustion-appliance exception.
Official resident-facing guidance on CO alarm placement, testing, and annual servicing of fuel-burning equipment.
Key facts for New Hampshire
- RSA 153:10-a requires multi-unit dwellings and rental units to have smoke alarms and, when applicable, carbon monoxide alarms.
- RSA 153:10-a requires single-family dwellings built or substantially rehabilitated after January 1, 2010 to have smoke alarms and, when applicable, carbon monoxide alarms.
- RSA 153:10-a exempts a dwelling from CO alarms only if it has no attached garage and no fuel-burning appliance; add either later, and CO alarms become required.
- Saf-C 6010.01 makes the owner responsible for maintaining required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in good working order.
- RSA 153:10-a says the state fire marshal enforces the section or appoints the appropriate municipal authority; RSA 155-A:7 says the local fire chief enforces the state fire code.
- I found no current statewide New Hampshire requirement for a sale/transfer smoke-alarm certificate, mandatory pre-closing alarm inspection, or ordinary-home fire extinguisher requirement in RSA 153:10-a or Saf-C 6000.
What to do next
- Before listing or closing, confirm whether the home has an attached garage or any fuel-burning equipment; if yes, verify working CO alarms are installed.
- Ask the local fire department or town code office whether your municipality has a stricter local ordinance, because RSA 153:10-a preserves stricter local requirements.
- Replace outdated alarms per manufacturer instructions and test them before transfer; keep model/installation information for buyer questions and inspection contingencies.
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