Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Consumer’s and Landlord Guide to Carbon Monoxide Alarms

If you think you have symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning or your CO alarm is sounding, leave the building immediately, and call 911.

The 2006 legislative session passed a new carbon monoxide (CO) law (MN 299F.50) requiring CO alarms in all single family homes and multifamily apartment units.

  1. Effective January 1, 2007, all newly constructed single family homes and multi-family dwelling units for which building permits are issued on or after January 1, 2007 shall be provided with approved carbon monoxide alarms.
  2. Effective August 1, 2008, all existing single family homes shall be equipped with approved carbon monoxide alarms.
  3. Effective August 1, 2009, all other multi-family or apartment dwelling units shall be provided with approved CO alarms.

All carbon monoxide alarms must be certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory that conform to the latest Underwriters Laboratories (U/L) Standards (also known as UL 2034 Standards).

Minnesota Department of Fire Services

For more information about the requirements of the law, contact the City Building Department, or visit the Minnesota State Fire Marshall.

  1. Who is impacted by this law?
  2. What do I have to do?
  3. What kinds of CO alarms are allowed?
  4. What are qualified combination detectors and alarms?
  5. What am I required to do if I’m a landlord?
  6. Where do I have to put these CO alarms?
  7. Why do I have to do this?
  8. How can I tell if a CO alarm is approved?
  9. How do I meet the requirements of the law?
  10. How do I know if I have CO poisoning?