Smoke/CO Affidavit: What CT Sellers Must Provide

Selling your Wethersfield home? There is one closing document you cannot skip: the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Affidavit. Many Connecticut sellers used to offer a $250 credit instead, but that option is gone. You deserve a clear, simple guide so you can prepare with confidence and keep your timeline on track. Here is what you must provide, when, and how to make it easy. Let’s dive in.

What the affidavit is

Connecticut law requires most home sellers to present a signed affidavit at closing stating the home has working smoke and carbon monoxide detection equipment. This rule applies to one and two family homes and units in residential common interest communities. The affidavit is signed and dated by the seller and is not a warranty beyond transfer of title. See the requirements in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-453 for the full description of the form and statements it must include.

• Learn more in the statute: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-453.

Who must provide it in Wethersfield

Most residential sellers must provide the affidavit at closing. Covered transfers include:

• Sales of one or two family homes.
• Sales of units in residential common interest communities, including condominiums.

The statute lists exemptions, such as certain transfers between co owners, transfers to immediate family for no consideration, court ordered transfers, certain refinancing related transfers, and transfers by fiduciaries. Foreclosure related transfers are also exempt. For the exact list, review § 29-453, and coordinate with your closing attorney if you think an exemption may apply.

What the affidavit must say

The affidavit includes factual statements about your detectors, to the best of your knowledge.

Smoke detector statements

• Installed in or in the immediate vicinity of each bedroom.
• Produce an audible alarm when you press the test button.
• Power type: battery or household electrical service.
• Whether smoke detectors are interconnected. For homes built before January 1, 1990, you may indicate that interconnection requirements are not applicable under the statute. See § 29-453.

Carbon monoxide detector statements

• Installed as required and produce an audible alarm on test.
• Power type may be battery.
• If your home has no fuel burning appliances, no fireplace, and no attached garage, you may state there is no carbon monoxide risk per the statute. Details appear in § 29-453.

Timing and who prepares it

You present the signed affidavit at closing. Closing attorneys and title companies typically provide the current model form. Many use a version developed with the State Fire Marshal’s guidance or the CT REALTORS model. Title industry bulletins summarize these practices and the 2023 updates. See the summaries at Virtual Underwriter and the CT REALTORS forms library.

The 2023 change you should know

Effective October 1, 2023, Connecticut removed the $250 credit in lieu of the affidavit. Sellers must sign the affidavit at closing unless an exemption applies. Title industry guidance explains this change in detail. See the bulletin on the elimination of the $250 option at Virtual Underwriter.

Wethersfield seller checklist

Use this quick plan to stay closing ready.

• Before listing

  • Inventory all detectors. Note locations, power type, and whether smoke detectors are interconnected. The affidavit asks for these details to the best of your knowledge. See § 29-453.
  • Test every unit. Press the test button to confirm an audible alarm. Replace batteries or devices that do not sound.
  • Keep simple notes with dates of testing and any replacements.

• Before or during the buyer’s inspection

  • Expect the buyer or inspector to check detectors. The affidavit reflects that buyers had the opportunity to inspect, but you are still making factual statements. Many attorneys recommend documenting your tests and replacements to reduce post closing disputes. See practical context from a Connecticut law firm here.

• At closing

  • Review the form from your closing attorney or title company and be ready to sign and date it at the table. Since October 1, 2023, the $250 alternative is not permitted. See Virtual Underwriter.
  • If you are unsure about a fact, answer to the best of your knowledge and speak with your closing attorney.

Technical placement basics

The State Fire Safety Code and the State Fire Marshal set technical standards for installation. In general, smoke detectors should be in or near each bedroom, and all detectors must sound when tested. For device placement or code questions, contact the Wethersfield Fire Marshal’s Office at 860-721-2806, 505 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield, CT, or visit the Fire Marshal page. You can also review the Connecticut Fire Safety Code chapter for high level guidance.

Risks of skipping or being inaccurate

The affidavit is a required closing document for most residential sales. Failing to comply with Fire Safety Code requirements can trigger penalties under Connecticut law, including fines described in Chapter 541, § 29-295. There is also potential civil exposure if a seller makes a material misrepresentation, which is why documentation and careful testing matter. For practical background on risk, see this Connecticut legal overview from Pellegrino Law Firm.

How I can help

You do not need to navigate this alone. I coordinate the details so you can focus on your move. That includes a pre listing safety check plan, reminders to test and document detectors, contractor referrals for replacements, and coordination with your closing timeline. If you are selling in Wethersfield or nearby central Connecticut, let’s make your sale smooth and compliant from day one. Connect with Elizabeth Harrison to get started.

FAQs

Do Wethersfield condo sellers need the Smoke/CO affidavit?

• Yes. Since October 1, 2023, the law explicitly includes units in residential common interest communities like condominiums. See § 29-453.

Can I still give a $250 credit instead of the affidavit in Connecticut?

• No. The $250 option was eliminated effective October 1, 2023. Sellers must sign the affidavit unless an exemption applies. See Virtual Underwriter’s summary.

What if my smoke alarms are not interconnected in an older Wethersfield home?

• The affidavit asks whether they are interconnected. The statute allows you to indicate that interconnection requirements are not applicable for buildings constructed before January 1, 1990. See § 29-453.

Who brings the detector affidavit form to a Connecticut closing?

• The closing attorney or title company typically provides a model form, often based on State Fire Marshal guidance or CT REALTORS materials. See Virtual Underwriter and the CT REALTORS forms library.

Do I have to replace nonworking detectors before closing in Connecticut?

• You must be able to truthfully state on the affidavit that detectors are present and sound on test. Most sellers replace nonworking units so they can sign honestly. See § 29-453.

Where can I get detector placement guidance in Wethersfield?

• Contact the Wethersfield Fire Marshal’s Office at 860-721-2806 or visit the Fire Marshal page. You can also review the Connecticut Fire Safety Code chapter for statewide standards.