Reminder- HUD CO Alarm Requirement in Effect

All HUD-assisted units with carbon monoxide sources must have carbon monoxide (CO) alarms or detectors installed. This requirement was in place as of December 27, 2022.

The requirement applies to units covered under Public Housing, Project-Based Rental Assistance, Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers, Section 202, and Section 811 with fire-fueled or fire-burning appliances or an attached garage.

Following is guidance on determining CO requirements based on sources of CO and location.

1. Units That Contain a Fuel Burning Appliance (FBA) or Fuel Burning Fireplace (FBF):
   1. If there is no fuel-burning forced air furnace (FBFAF) in a sleeping area or attached bathroom, a CO alarm is required in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping area;
   1. If there is a fuel-burning forced air furnace, fuel-burning appliance, or fuel-burning fireplace in a sleeping area or attached bathroom, a CO alarm is required in the sleeping area.
2. Units served by FBFAF outside the unit:
   1. If a CO alarm is installed in the room with the first duct register, no additional alarm is required in the unit.
   1. If a CO alarm is not installed in the room with the first duct register, a CO alarm is required in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
3. Unit located in a building containing FBA/FBF (not in the unit):
   1. A CO alarm is required in the unit, unless –
      1. A CO alarm is installed on the ceiling of the room containing the FBA/FBF; or
      1. A CO alarm has been installed in an approved location between the FBA/FBF and the unit; or
      1. The unit has no openings to the FBA/FBF.
4. Units in buildings with attached garages:
   1. If it is an open garage with natural ventilation (e.g., carport), no CO alarm is required;
   1. If it is an enclosed garage –
      1. A CO alarm is required outside sleeping areas in the unit unless one of the following is present:
         1. The unit has no openings to the enclosed garage;
         1. The unit is located more than one story above or below the enclosed garage;
         1. The enclosed garage connects to the building through an open-ended corridor;
         1. A CO detector is provided in an approved location between openings to an enclosed garage and the unit; or
         1. The enclosed garage has a mechanical ventilation system for vehicle exhaust.

All owners or projects subject to this rule with FBA/FBF should ensure that the HUD requirements relative to CO detection and alarm requirements are now in place.