Governor Baker Ends Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Inspection Exemption

Governor Baker has rescinded the Emergency Order that allowed parties to residential real estate transactions defer smoke and carbon monoxide inspections until after closing. This means that parties presently entering into a purchase and sale agreement for a residential property in Massachusetts are unable to defer the required smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspection to a date after closing. The rescinding of the order does not invalidate any inspection deferral that agreed to in the purchase and sales agreement pursuant to the terms of the Order. Those transactions that closed prior to July 10, 2020, now have until October 8, 2020 to schedule an inspection with the local fire department, and obtain a signed certificate of inspection.

Northshore Legal LLC specializes in real estate law, and represents buyer and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. We will continue to provide updates throughout the pandemic crisis. We can be reached at consultation@northshore.legal or 781-463-6063.