June 01, 2015
Chitose Suzuki/AP
A homeowner tests a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in the garage of her new home office building.
Beginning Monday, landlords in Pennsylvania will be required to install carbon monoxide detectors in certain rental units, thanks to a law passed in 2013, Newsworks reports.
Any rental unit that has an attached garage, fossil fuel-burning heater or appliance or fireplace must have a carbon monoxide detector under the law, or landlords will face fines of $50 per unit.
"You don't smell it, you can't see it, but I'll bet they run two gas leaks a week here in the city for various reasons," Lancaster Code Compliance and Inspections Bureau Chief Gary Horning told Newsworks. "And a lot of times, you don't get a second chance."
Tenants will be responsible for maintaining the detectors, including replacing the batteries.
