Per the city’s latest Service Notice, January 1, 2027 has been set as the final natural gas detector deadline.

The law was passed in 2016, with an original deadline of May 1, 2025. We’ve been sharing details about it for a while, including the basic requirements, delayed deadline, which devices are compliant, and HPD notice language.

With that said, below is an updated full guide to Local Law 157 compliance. Read on to get the details, and reach out to support@sitecompli.com if you have questions.

Where is this required?

Per HPD’s detector summary page, “Owners of all multiple dwellings (Class A and Class B Multiple Dwellings) and one- and two-family homes (non-owner occupied) that have gas piping are required to provide and install at least one approved and operational natural gas detector pursuant to the requirements of the New York City Building Code.

If there is a fuel-gas burning appliance installed in the dwelling, the alarm must be installed in the same room as the device. The alarm must be located at least 3 feet, but not more than 10 feet from the appliance, measured horizontally. It must be installed on either the ceiling or a wall. Where installed on a wall, the alarm must be located not more than 12 inches from the ceiling. There are exceptions where the existing space does not allow for installation at least 3 feet from the appliance – review the rules for more details.

The DOB also has a detailed FAQ page for specific properties and exclusions – you can view it here.

Class B Buildings

Class B multiple dwellings must be protected by either:

• One or more natural gas alarms installed in each dwelling in accordance with this section; or
• A line-operated zoned natural gas detecting system, designed in accordance with NFPA 715-2023 by a registered design professional, and installed in all public corridors and public spaces

Who can install these devices?

Based on the final rule, here’s who can install these devices:

• Natural gas alarms must be installed by a NYC licensed electrical contractor who obtains all required permits
• EXCEPT – natural gas alarms powered by either batteries or plug-in AC receptacles may be installed by someone other than the above, including but not limited to the building owner, maintenance personnel, or dwelling unit occupant

What devices are compliant?

Alarms must meet requirements defined in NFPA 715, and manufactured in accordance with NFPA 715-2023 standards.

You can reference a quick video walkthrough from the team at F&F Supply giving a rundown of compliant devices and placement.

Do residents need to do anything?

Residents are responsible for the following:

• Test all carbon monoxide, smoke and natural gas detectors at least once a month
• Replace the batteries (only the recommended type) in carbon monoxide, smoke and natural gas detectors at least twice a year
• Listen for an alarm sound when the battery is low and replace the battery immediately
• Never paint over detectors

Can residents be charged?

Owners and managers may charge tenants per device type for initial installation:

1. $25 for each smoke detector, each carbon monoxide detector, and each natural gas detector, or
2. $50 for each combined smoke/carbon monoxide detector or combined smoke/natural gas detector, or combined carbon monoxide/natural gas detector, or
3. $75 for a combined carbon monoxide, smoke and natural gas detecting device

Basically, combo detectors adjust the amount tenants can be charged by the number of requirements it meets. This is different from residents in private dwellings (1-2 family homes), who must reimburse the owner $25 for each carbon monoxide detector or natural gas detector.

Charges can be made for newly installed devices, devices installed as a result of the occupant’s failure to maintain the detector, or where the detector has been lost or damaged by the occupant. The occupant has one year from the date of installation to make the required payment.

Tenants who live in class B buildings (transient use) are not required to reimburse property owners for devices.

Are there other requirements?

There are requirements for maintaining records and providing them on department request:

• Post a Notice in the building common area, and record the date of posting
  • You can utilize HPD’s suggested language, use a combined notice, or refer to their requirements for digital signage
• Note the dates of when devices were installed in each unit and/or common area where required
• Record the expiration date of the manufacturer’s suggested useful life of each device

How can I track this?

Teams using InCheck can save records for this requirement in a few ways:

• Snap and save photos of installed devices for each unit, stored on one page for easy reference – and retrieval, if the city requests records
• Easily update installed statuses for each unit, automatically tracking the date of installation
• Check devices during unit inspections to ensure they’re functioning properly

Reach out to your Customer Success Manager if you want to get started on any of the above, or have any questions.

Bookmark this page for any future changes – we’ll update them here.