Carbon Monoxide Alarms & Detectors
Do you have a rental? As of July 1, 2010, for all NEW rental agreements a landlord must:
Install properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms.
Provide working batteries if the alarms are battery operated or have a battery operated backup system.
Provide the new tenant with alarm testing instructions.
Repair or replace any defective alarm. Tenants must test the alarms at least every six months, replace batteries (provided by the landlord) as needed, and notify the landlord in writing of any operating deficiencies.
As of April 1, 2011: Landlords must provide properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms for all rental dwelling units with, or within a structure containing a carbon monoxide source. Properties that are all electric and do not have an attached garage are exempt.
As of April 1 ,2011: Home sellers of one and two family dwellings, manufactured dwellings or multifamily housing units containing a carbon monoxide source must have one or more properly functioning carbon monoxide alarms before conveying fee title or transferring possession of a dwelling.
Woodstoves & Fireplace Inserts – New Oregon Law
Beginning August 1, 2010, Oregon law requires that you remove and destroy an uncertified woodstove or fireplace insert if you are selling your home. Uncertified woodstoves burn about 70% dirtier than certified woodstoves and they also burn far less efficiently and require more fuel than newer certified stoves. There is also a concern about older stoves not having been installed correctly, which could pose a fire hazard or other safety issues.
You can tell if your woodstove or fireplace insert is certified by looking on the back for a certification sticker from Oregon DEQ or EPA. You can also check DEQ’s webpage to see if your stove or insert is listed on the EPA or DEQ certification list. A safety label is not the same as a DEQ or EPA certification. You cans see an example of the certification label and get all the facts online at: www.deq.state.or.us/aq/burning/woodstoves/heatsmart.htm.
