HUD Will Offer $5M for CO Detectors in Public Housing

HUD Secretary Carson recently announced that $5 million will be made available for the purchase and installation of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in public housing units where they’re necessary. The funds will be provided through HUD’s Emergency Safety and Security Program and represent the first time HUD is targeting grants specifically for the purchase and installation of CO detectors.

The funding availability comes a month after HUD announced its intention to make optional CO detectors mandatory and sent a notice to all public housing authorities and private owners of HUD-subsidized housing reminding and encouraging them to install working CO detectors in their buildings. HUD has been working with congressional leaders on the Senate Banking Committee on legislation that will require CO detectors in HUD-assisted housing units that need them.

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of fuel-fired combustion appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters. If not properly vented, this undetectable gas can be dangerous and even deadly. In March, HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) issued a notice to all HUD and HUD-contracted inspectors requiring them to collect data to determine the prevalence of CO detection systems in HUD-assisted properties subject to its Uniform Physical Condition Standards.