At the Housing Authority of Thurston County, we want to make NSPIRE inspections as clear and straightforward as possible for our landlords and property owners. One of the critical life-safety requirements under NSPIRE (National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate) is the installation and maintenance of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

When Are CO Detectors Required?

CO detectors are required in all units, regardless of the presence of fuel-burning appliances.

Where Should CO Detectors Be Installed?

  • Outside sleeping areas
    • If all bedrooms are located off a single hallway, only one detector is needed in that hallway.
    • If bedrooms are on different floors or in separate areas, each area must have its own detector.
  • On each floor
    • A CO detector is required on every level of the home, including basements, even if there are no sleeping areas.

Special Situations

  • CO detectors are required inside sleeping rooms if a fuel-burning appliance is located in the room or in an attached bathroom.
  • Always check local building codes, as they may include additional CO detector requirements beyond NSPIRE standards.
  • Non-required CO detectors (voluntarily installed) must also be functional. If they are inoperable or missing with visible evidence of previous installation, they will be cited the same as required detectors.

Power Source Requirements

Unlike smoke detectors, which must be hardwired or have a 10-year sealed battery, CO detectors have no specific HUD requirement for power source. Acceptable options include:

  • Hardwired
  • 10-year sealed battery
  • Standard 9V or AA battery

Regardless of type, detectors must be properly installed and functional.

Deficiency Ratings and Repair Requirements

  • Missing or non-working CO detectors are classified as life-threatening deficiencies under NSPIRE.
  • All CO detectors must produce a working audio or visual alarm when tested.
  • These issues must be corrected within 24 hours of inspection.

Need More Information?

If you have questions or would like more information about NSPIRE requirements—including carbon monoxide detector standards—please contact our office.

Posted in Inspections