HUD Publishes Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements for Assisted Housing

On January 31, 2022 HUD published Notice PIH 2022-01 which set a deadline for carbon monoxide alarms or detectors. Per the notice, CO alarms or detectors must installed by December 27, 2022.

This notice applies to:

• Public Housing (PH)
• Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
• Project Based Voucher (PBV)
• Project Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)
• Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly (Section 202)
• Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities (Section 811).

In addition, the notice refers to the International Fire Code (IFC) 2018 standards for installation along with links to the code itself (see Additional Resources below).

Carbon Monoxide Risks

According to Notice PIH 2022-01:

“Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas. It is impossible to see, and is a tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuel burned in vehicles, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. It can build-up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe the toxic fumes.

The effects of CO exposure can vary from person to person depending on age, overall health, and the concentration and length of exposure. Exposure can cause harmful health conditions, permanent brain damage, life-threatening cardiac complications, fetal death or miscarriage, and death in a matter of minutes. Individuals who are asleep or intoxicated may die from CO poisoning before experiencing any symptoms.”

Applicable Funding

PHAs may use either Operating Funds or Capital Funds for purchase, installation, and maintenance.

For HVC and PBV programs, the property owner or landlord is responsible for cost of carbon monoxide alarms or detectors. HCV administration funds can be used for landlord outreach and education on these requirements.

PBRA, Section 202, and Section 811 may utilize the property’s reserves for replacement, residual receipts, general operating reserves, owner contributions, or secondary financing.

NSPIRE Standard

NSPIRE is HUD’s new proposed inspection protocol. NSPIRE is set to replace UPCS and HQS inspections. HUD is in the middle of a NSPIRE demonstration period that runs through April 30, 2023.

Based on proposed standard version 2.2 (published 4/18/22), inspectors must identify buildings/units with fuel-fired appliances, fuel-burning fire place, or adjacent spaces (attached garage, mechanical room, laundry).

The carbon monoxide detector or alarm must be installed each sleeping area and in the immediate vicinity of each sleeping area.

Moreover, applicable areas also include daycare centers, community centers, and preschools.

Additional Resources

Review Notice PIH 2022-01 for full details, along with examples of carbon monoxide sources and ways to prevent CO intrusion.

Read the full proposed NSPIRE Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standard here.

The International Fire Code (IFC) 2018 standards links provided by HUD in their notice:

• https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2018
• https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2018/chapter-9-fire-protection-and-life-safety-systems
• https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IFC2018/chapter-11-construction-requirements-for-existing-buildings

Above all, it is the responsibility of each property to understand the carbon monoxide requirements covered in HUD’s new notice.

Please contact us if you have any questions.