Natural Gas Detectors Improve Public Safety In NYC Homes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 13, 2026
CONTACT: [email protected], (212) 393-2126

NATURAL GAS DETECTORS IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY IN NYC HOMES

Government Agencies and Utility Companies Spread Awareness About New Safety Requirement

NEW YORK, NY - The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and our partner agencies and utility companies are reminding the public about the city's new requirement for natural gas detectors in residential buildings going into effect on January 1, 2027. Working with the Fire Department (FDNY), Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), National Grid, and Con Edison, DOB is holding educational outreach events in all five boroughs to inform property owners about this important new safety regulation. National Grid and the Buildings Department will also be providing a limited number of free gas detectors to small property owners and providing demonstrations on how they work at these events. The city and our utility company partners are committed to helping property owners comply with this new requirement, which will improve safety for New York families.

"Keeping New Yorkers safe is a top priority for the Mamdani Administration -- and oftentimes, that starts at home," said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg. "Gas detectors are an important tool for detecting gas leaks with ample time to act before a fire or explosion. I am grateful for all the work that agencies across city government are doing to educate owners on their responsibilities and tenants on their rights ahead of when this new requirement goes into effect in January of next year."

"A small leak can quickly turn into a dangerous, fast-spreading fire, which is why it's so important for all of our residential buildings to have gas detectors installed and ready to alert families if they need to move to safety," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. "As we approach January 1, City agencies are working hand in hand to equip property owners with the information and resources they need to successfully install these life-saving tools and comply with new safety requirements. Don't wait to take action: the sooner every home has a detector, the safer we all are."

"While natural gas is safe when properly contained, even a small leak can lead to a potentially deadly situation," said Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. "Installing natural gas alarms in homes across the city is an inexpensive precautionary measure that can save lives. For the safety of all New Yorkers, property owners should have these alarms installed in their residential units as soon as possible."

In the interest of public safety, owners of covered residential buildings must provide and install code-compliant natural gas alarms in every dwelling unit no later than January 1, 2027. These detectors monitor the air for methane, the main component of natural gas, and alert building occupants of dangerous conditions that can result in fires, explosions, and toxic air quality.

Natural gas is widely used throughout New York City to heat homes, cook food, and power appliances. While safe when properly encapsulated, poor maintenance, damaged pipes, and illegal alterations to plumbing systems can result in a leak, causing gas to accumulate indoors. Because natural gas is highly flammable, even a small spark can ignite built-up gas, resulting in a major fire. Even if a fire doesn't occur, natural gas can cause serious health issues if breathed in, especially to those in high-risk groups. Natural gas alarms provide an additional layer of safety in homes by providing an early warning to occupants before a leak reaches dangerous concentrations.

Starting in 2027, the property owners of the following residential buildings types that have gas piping will be required to install natural gas alarms in each dwelling unit near gas appliances:

• Apartment buildings
• Private dwellings, including one and two-family homes
• Hotels, motels, and lodging or rooming houses
• Single room occupancy buildings

Property owners can utilize hard-wired detectors, detectors that plug into an AC outlet, and battery-powered detectors. The city does not endorse any specific gas alarm manufacturers, models, or types, provided that the equipment is listed and labeled to UL 1484 or UL 2075, indicating that it meets nationally recognized safety standards set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Local Law 102, passed by the City Council last year set a new January 1st, 2027, deadline for when gas detectors need to be installed in residential buildings. In accordance with this law, DOB has also identified multiple compliant battery-powered gas detector models that are commercially available online, at hardware stores, and at home improvement centers. Utilizing battery-powered alarms enables the devices to be placed in optimal detection locations without requiring an outlet or hardwiring. Regardless of which model property owners choose, consumers should confirm they are buying a product that is properly UL listed.

In an effort to assist property owners understand which detectors comply with the law, the Department has compiled the below partial list of battery-operated gas detector models from five different manufacturers have all been identified as UL 1484 listed, and meet the requirements of the law:

• Aware Buildings (Model # NG-101)
• DeNova (Model # DD623NCV, Model # DD620NV and Model # ML-310ES)
• Heiman (Model # HM-733NS)
• Nexelec (Model # VIGAS)
• Universal Security Instruments (USI) (Model # USI/NG/10YR)

Additional gas detectors that comply with the law may also be commercially available or become commercially available in the future. Property owners are encouraged to purchase a detector from any manufacturer they want, provided that the model is properly UL listed to help ensure that the product works effectively, is safe to use, and follows local city law.

The Department has already been participating in community outreach events to talk with property owners about gas detectors, and will continue to do so with our partners agencies and utility companies leading up to the January 1, 2027, deadline. At these events, the DOB and National Grid will be handing out a limited amount of free natural gas detectors to small residential property owners in attendance. Detectors will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last. In addition, experts from the Department will be reinforcing critical life-saving advice on gas safety, including what to do if you suspect a gas leak. If a natural gas alarm goes off or the smell of gas is present, you should leave the area immediately. Once you are safe distance away, call 911 to report the potential gas leaks and get an immediate response from first responders.

"Natural gas leaks can create a dangerous and potentially deadly situation very quickly. Early warning is critical. Natural gas alarms provide an important layer of protection by alerting residents before conditions become even more hazardous. We urge New Yorkers to take these alarms seriously-if you smell gas or an alarm activates, leave the area immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent fires, explosions, injuries, and save lives," said Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore.

"Safety is always our top priority, and natural gas systems are no exception," said HPD Commissioner Dina Levy. "Installing detectors will save lives. Starting next year, HPD code enforcement staff will inspect for them to ensure compliance and keep New Yorkers safe."

"Every New Yorker should feel safe at home, and National Grid is proud to partner with the New York City Department of Buildings to help residents prepare for the new natural gas alarm requirement, an important added layer of protection in homes across the five boroughs," said Phil Sandy, Chief Operating Officer of New York Gas, National Grid. "Natural gas is an important part of everyday life in New York City, supplying 90 percent of the electricity, 50 percent of heat, and 60 percent of hot water New Yorkers rely on. Natural gas alarms give families an early warning, and we're glad to work alongside the city to make sure residents and property owners are ready before the January 1, 2027, deadline. We also urge every New Yorker: if you smell gas, don't hesitate. Get somewhere safe, then call 911 or National Grid at 718-643-4050."

"A gas leak detector and alarm can provide an early warning of a leak that may go unnoticed, adding an important layer of protection for residents," said Mary Kelly, Con Edison's Senior Vice President, Gas Operations. "These easy to install devices help enhance safety in homes and apartments, giving customers greater peace of mind. Combined with vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected gas odors, these detectors strengthen household safety. If you smell gas, leave the area and call 1-800-75-CONED or 911."