Closing day in Glastonbury should not grind to a halt over a smoke or carbon monoxide detector. Yet it happens when the required affidavit is missing or incorrect. If you are selling or buying, you can avoid stress, delays, and extra costs with a simple plan. This guide shows you what changed in Connecticut law, what the affidavit requires, and how to be closing ready. Let’s dive in.
Fire/CO affidavit basics
Connecticut law requires the seller of most 1- or 2-family homes and units in common-interest communities to provide a signed affidavit at closing stating the property has compliant smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, or that CO detectors are not required for that home. The affidavit is signed and dated by the transferor. See the full requirements in Connecticut General Statutes §29-453.
A major change took effect on October 1, 2023. The state eliminated the old $250 credit that some sellers used in place of the affidavit. You must now provide the affidavit at closing. Lenders and title companies expect it as a standard closing document.
If you are unsure which form to use, ask your closing attorney. The Office of the State Fire Marshal issued a model, and it is distributed through the CT REALTORS forms library.
What compliance means in CT
Required detector locations
Smoke detection equipment must be installed in or in the immediate vicinity of each bedroom. The goal is to provide warning near sleeping areas, with appropriate coverage on each level. The statute explains the performance and placement standards in §29-453.
CO detector triggers
Carbon monoxide detectors are required when a home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage. If none of these are present, the seller can state that on the affidavit. Requirements are outlined in §29-453.
Power and interconnection
The affidavit asks, to the seller’s best knowledge, whether detectors are battery powered, hardwired to household electric, and whether they are interconnected so one alarm triggers all. Interconnection depends on construction date rules. If your home predates certain requirements, say so truthfully on the form per §29-453.
Audible test requirement
Both smoke and CO detectors must sound an audible alarm when you press the test button. Plan to test and document this before closing, as the statute requires an audible test in §29-453.
Why closings get delayed
Timing and testing gaps
The affidavit is due at closing, but many sellers wait to test devices until the last minute. If a unit fails or is missing on closing day, title and lender funding can be delayed. Title underwriters have told closers to expect the affidavit as part of standard closing packages after the 2023 change. See guidance from title industry bulletins here.
No more $250 credit
Some sellers still think a credit will fix the issue. It will not. The credit option ended on October 1, 2023, and the affidavit must be provided. This is confirmed in the title bulletin summarizing the law change here.
Wiring and panel surprises
Homes with older hardwired detectors or units tied to a security panel can be tricky. Replacing or reconnecting those systems takes time and may need an electrician or alarm company. Do not assume a hardwired system is active until it has been tested.
Conflicting answers
The affidavit relies on the seller’s best knowledge. If inspection reports say detectors are not interconnected but the affidavit says they are, attorneys may pause closing to resolve the conflict. Answer truthfully and document what you tested.
Glastonbury contacts
If you need a local interpretation or inspection coordination, start with the Town of Glastonbury Building Inspection and Zoning Division. They coordinate with the Fire Marshal and can answer code and installation questions. Find contact details on the Glastonbury Building Inspection page. Main phone: (860) 652-7521. Building Official: Lincoln White at (860) 652-7524.
Step-by-step checklists
Sellers: do this early
- Test every detector. Press the test button and confirm an audible alarm for each smoke and CO unit. Take photos or a short video. Requirements are in §29-453.
- Replace dead batteries and any units older than manufacturer guidance. Many devices have a 7 to 10-year life. Typical pricing and product guidance are outlined in this consumer overview.
- Add or relocate smoke detectors so there is coverage in or near each bedroom and on each level as appropriate.
- If the home has fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage, confirm CO detectors are present and tested.
- Give your agent and closing attorney photos and receipts so the affidavit can be completed accurately. Your attorney will likely use the OSFM model via the CT REALTORS forms library.
Buyers and buyer agents
- Ask your home inspector to test and document all alarms during inspection. Confirm any missing or failed units are addressed before closing. The Town’s Building Inspection page is a good reference for local processes: Glastonbury Building Inspection.
- If repairs are needed, set clear timelines and confirm completion with receipts and photos. Lenders usually prefer remediation before funding per post-change closing practices noted here.
Attorneys and title teams
- Confirm the expected affidavit form early and make sure the transferor signs and dates it at closing. Title guidance after the 2023 changes is summarized here.
Budget and timing tips
Plan ahead to avoid rush charges. Retail smoke and CO units often range from about $20 to $100 depending on features, with combination or smart units on the higher end. See typical pricing in this consumer guide.
If hardwiring or interconnection is needed, electricians or alarm companies may quote roughly $100 to $300 per device for installation, with higher costs for complex wiring or panel work. Get multiple local quotes. National service guides summarize ranges here.
Two-days-before plan
If a detector fails right before closing, install UL-listed battery or plug-in replacements that meet the audible test requirement and document with photos and receipts. Notify your closing attorney immediately. Some lenders may allow a short escrow or holdback for hardwired work, but many prefer the affidavit with operable detectors in place, as noted in post-change closing practices here.
What the affidavit is not
The statute says the affidavit does not create new warranties beyond the transfer of title. Even so, inaccurate statements can cause disputes, so complete it truthfully and keep documentation. See the wording in §29-453.
Ready to sell or buy in Glastonbury with less stress and no last-minute surprises? For a clear, closing-ready plan and hands-on support from a data-driven local advisor, reach out to Schuyler Goines.
FAQs
In Connecticut home sales, do sellers still have the $250 credit option instead of the affidavit?
- No. The 2023 change eliminated that option, and the signed affidavit is required at closing. See title industry guidance on the change here.
For Glastonbury closings, who answers code questions about detector placement or compliance?
- Contact the Town’s Building Inspection and Zoning Division, which coordinates with the Fire Marshal for local enforcement. Find details on the Glastonbury Building Inspection page.
What does “to the best of the seller’s knowledge” mean on the affidavit?
- It means the seller answers truthfully based on what they know about power source and interconnection. If unsure, test and document, and consult your attorney. The form content and expectations are drawn from §29-453.
Are CO detectors always required in Glastonbury single-family homes?
- CO detectors are required when the home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. If none are present, the seller can note that on the affidavit per §29-453.
Does the affidavit create a warranty for the buyer after closing?
- No. The statute says it does not create new warranties beyond the transfer of title, but inaccurate answers can still cause disputes. See the statutory language in §29-453.
