Test 17: Environmental Concerns

At least one for every 1,200 square feet of living space per level

Smoke alarm/detectors for homes in Massachusetts are quite detailed and depend on the date of construction, size of the home, and its configuration. Homes built between 1975 and August 1997 must have at least one smoke alarm/detector for every 1,200 square feet of living space per level. There is no maximum number of smoke alarms allowed.

the local fire department

When residential property is sold the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors must be inspected by the local fire department which issues a certificate of compliance.

$1,500

A Massachusetts homeowner can obtain a tax credit up to $1,500 for removing lead-based paint in a home. It is a full credit, not just a deduction.

10 days

After receiving a Property Transfer Lead Paint Notification, a buyer has 10 days within which to inspect the property. The buyer can waive the inspection right, or the buyer and seller can agree on a different time limit.

that is occupied by a child under six years of age.

Massachusetts law required the removal of lead-based paint hazards from any dwelling that is occupied by a child under six years of age. The law imposes disclosure requirements on sellers, but not remediation requirements.

properly maintained

Asbestos must be property maintained but the law does not require it to be removed or for the home to be destroyed.

termite treatment.

Before it was banned in 1988 chlordane was used extensively for termite treatment. Inhaling the gases from chlordane can result in anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and cognitive and memory deficits. It can also impact reproductive organs and reduce fertility. Even more seriously, chlordane gases have been shown to cause diseases such as Parkinson disease, leukemia, and breast and brain cancer.

Massachusetts does not have any mold disclosure requirements.

Massachusetts does not have any mold disclosure requirements. The burden of inquiry or inspection rests with the buyer.

three years.

Underground storage tanks (USTs) are heavily regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection. They must be inspected by a certified inspector every three years.

Stretch Code.

The Stretch Code establishes higher standards than the base building energy code.