The state requires that carbon monoxide detectors be installed within 15 feet of an entrance to each room lawfully used for sleeping when:

• A permit is required for work done on the interior of a single-family home with either a fuel-fired heater or appliance or an attached garage. In accordance with state law, inspectors will need to verify compliance at the time of inspection.

• A homeowner is selling a residential real property (single family or multi-family) containing a fuel-fired heater or appliance or an attached garage. The Colorado Real Estate Commission will revise disclosure documents to reflect that carbon monoxide detectors are installed in accordance with the new law.

• A rental property, including homes, townhomes, condominiums and apartments, has a change in tenant. The landlord is responsible for the maintenance of a detector when they are notified in writing by a tenant that the batteries need to be replaced in the detector, or the detector was stolen, removed, found missing or found not operational.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen or smelled and can be fatal within minutes of exposure. Most incidents happen in the winter, mainly due to an increased use in fuel-burning appliances.