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New Law in Place for Oil Heating systems in MA as of July 1, 2010

If you are thinking of selling or purchasing a home in Massachusetts, the state will be enforcing a new law as of July 1, 2010.

Who: Homeowners of 1 – 4 unit dwellings with oil fired heating systems which were built prior to 1990. If your home was built after 1990, you are most likely already in compliance since the fire codes after 1990 required the additional parts and upgrades. Exceptions to the law would include situations where the oil burner is located above the oil storage tank and the entire oil line is connected to the take from above the top of the tank.
What to do: Have a licensed oil burner technician, only, upgrade your heating system by installing either and oil safety valve or an oil supply line with a protective sleeve.
If your home owners insurance company hasn’t already contacted you, check in with them. Ask if you have coverage for oil tank leaks from your system. They must offer that to you. Although it is optional, not mandatory, it is up to the homeowner to decide whether or not to purchase this coverage which would roll out on July 1, 2010.
Why?: To prevent oil leaks from your oil system and mechanisms to your furnace from infiltrating the environment. Apparently most policies do not provide this coverage, which would be worth checking. The cost to obtain coverage is minimal considering the $15,000 or $20,000 or even up to $100,000 or more, it could cost to clean up a leak or a spill. State environmental standards are very strict about this sort of contamination and if the leakage actually encroaches onto your neighbors property or if it gets into the water supply, the cost could be prohibitive.
To obtain home owners insurance coverage you will be required to either be in compliance or be exempt due to having purchased your home after 1990 in order to be eligible. The insurance coverage provides at least $50,000 worth of coverage for leaks into soil or infiltration into indoor ventilation and other environmental home systems. This covers personal property damage as well.
You must purchase at least $200,000 worth of coverage for third party damages – damage to your neighbors property or ground water contamination. Legal fees are subject to an amount not to exceed $1,000.000 which would also be covered by your insurance policy.
An oil burner permit from your local fire department is all you need to demonstrate you are in compliance.

The information on chapter 458 of the acts of 2008, Massachusetts oil heating upgrading and insurance Law was provided by Cheryl A. Flynn.  Are you looking for a Massachusetts Realtor? I am a licensed real estate sales person working for Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest, a nationally recognized real Brokerage Firm. I would be happy to send you daily updates from the multiple listing service data base of all homes for sale in Massachusetts to give you an idea what other homes are selling for or what you can expect to find if you are looking for a new home. Contact me now at 774-275-4828. I am available to answer any questions.