Rules by state
Virginia
Virginia is a buyer-beware state for most 1- to 4-unit home sales, so the main statewide sale/transfer rule I found is the seller’s Residential Property Disclosure Statement rather than a point-of-sale alarm certificate. Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and related equipment are governed mainly by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and local enforcement by building departments.
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 a typical Virginia residential sale, I found a statewide disclosure requirement under the buyer-beware law, but no statewide point-of-sale smoke-alarm or carbon-monoxide inspection/certificate requirement for ordinary home transfers.
- Code reference
- Va. Code § 55.1-703; see also 13VAC5-63-210, 13VAC5-63-431, and Va. Code § 15.2-922
Official resources in Virginia
DPOR explains which written residential sale disclosures apply in Virginia and links to the required forms.
Virginia’s buyer-beware disclosure statute for residential sales, including the disclosure statement and due-diligence language.
DHCD’s official portal for Virginia building and fire codes, code cycles, and code resources.
DHCD overview of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, which governs residential alarm requirements.
Official administrative code section showing residential smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, and kitchen fire-extinguisher provisions; related existing-building smoke-alarm replacement rule is at 13VAC5-63-431.
Key facts for Virginia
- Virginia home sales are generally buyer-beware; sellers furnish the Residential Property Disclosure Statement, and buyers are advised to obtain a home inspection before settlement (§55.1-703).
- I did not find a statewide Virginia statute requiring a smoke-alarm or carbon-monoxide certificate specifically for an ordinary home sale or transfer; rental certificates are separate (§15.2-922).
- For existing buildings, replaced smoke alarms must be UL 217 listed, under 10 years old, and battery-only units must use a 10-year sealed battery (13VAC5-63-431).
- Virginia residential carbon monoxide alarms may be hard-wired, plug-in, or battery type, must be UL 2034 listed, and combination units must also meet UL 217 (13VAC5-63-210).
- Virginia requires carbon monoxide alarms in covered residential occupancies under the code; the code text I found ties this to buildings with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage (13VAC5-63 incorporated text).
- In Virginia dwellings without an approved sprinkler system, a 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher or approved equivalent must be installed in the kitchen area (13VAC5-63-210 R334.1).
What to do next
- Before listing or closing, ask your local building department whether any local ordinance under §15.2-922 affects older homes that lack code-compliant smoke alarms.
- Replace any battery-only smoke alarm over 10 years old with a current UL 217 alarm using a 10-year sealed battery, and verify any CO alarm is UL 2034 listed.
- Use the DPOR disclosure materials and a licensed home inspector early so alarm issues are identified before settlement.
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