On July 1 2010 a new Massachusetts law goes into effect that will concern certain homeowners. The new law requires that all 1 to 4 family residential dwellings serviced by a home heating oil system meet new safety standards.
Homeowners using home heating oil must have either an oil supply safety valve or an oil supply line with a special protective sleeve.
Homes build after January 1990 should already be in compliance with the new law and would likely have one or both of these safety features installed.
However, homes constructed prior to then may not have such safety features and are required to be in compliance and upgraded by July 1, 2010.
There are limited exemptions and an upgrade is estimated to cost between $150.00 and $350.00.
If you represent a home seller with a property constructed before 1990 confirm with them that they are aware of the new law and that they understand that they will need to be in compliance in order not to complicate a potential sale.
If you represent home buyers buying a home subject to the law inform them of the new law and ensure that the seller is in-compliance before closing.