16 Del. C. ch. 66C § 6601C
Definitions
Operative Text
For purposes of this chapter: (1) “Carbon monoxide detection devices” means a battery-operated or AC-powered device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide gas in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. “Carbon monoxide detection devices” includes combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. (2) “Dwelling unit” means a single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for 1 or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. (3) a. “Lodging establishment” means any building, group of buildings, structure, facility, place, or places of business where 1 or more dwelling units or sleeping units are provided and which is kept, used, maintained, advertised, or held out to the public to provide lodging accommodations for pay which can be construed to be a hotel, motel, motor hotel, apartment or multi-family dwelling, bed and breakfast facility, bunkhouse, cabin, condominiums, dormitory, extended-stay establishment, multi-family dwelling, resort, or other similar place by any other name, be it rented, leased, or owned for either transient guests, permanent guests, or for both transient and permanent guests. b. “Lodging establishment” does not include any of the following: 1. Dormitories and other living or sleeping facilities owned or maintained by public or private schools, colleges, universities, or churches unless made available to the general public and not used exclusively for students and faculty. 2. A private residence that is occupied by the owner and where no dwelling or sleeping unit is available for pay. (4) a. “Owner” means an individual; corporation; business trust; estate trust; partnership; limited liability company; association; joint venture; government; governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality; public corporation; or any other legal or commercial entity that meets any of the following requirements: 1. Has a legal interest in a lodging establishment. 2. Has an equitable interest in a lodging establishment that includes participation in management of the lodging establishment. 3. Operates or manages a lodging establishment. 4. Operates or manages a lodging establishment under a contract, lease, or other form of authorization agreement. 5. Undertakes actual control or authority over the operation or management of a lodging establishment. b. “Owner” does not mean an equitable interest in an artificial entity under paragraph (4)a. of this section. (5) “Sleeping unit” means a room or space in which people sleep, which can also include permanent provisions for living, eating, and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both. (6) “Transient” means occupancy of a dwelling unit or sleeping unit for not more than 30 days.
Section 6601C of Title 16 of the Delaware Code establishes the key definitions that govern the state's carbon monoxide detection requirements for lodging establishments. The provision clarifies what counts as a carbon monoxide detection device (including combination smoke/CO detectors), what qualifies as a dwelling unit or sleeping unit, and which types of properties and owners fall within the chapter's scope. Certain facilities—such as school dormitories not open to the general public and owner-occupied private residences with no paid accommodations—are explicitly excluded from the definition of 'lodging establishment.'
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 6601C, property owners and managers should understand whether their facility meets the definition of a 'lodging establishment,' since that classification determines whether the rest of the chapter's carbon monoxide detection requirements apply to them. The definition of 'owner' is intentionally broad, capturing not just titleholders but also those who operate, manage, or exercise actual control over a lodging establishment under a contract, lease, or authorization agreement. Operators of hotels, motels, multi-family dwellings, extended-stay facilities, bed and breakfasts, and similar properties should review these definitions carefully to assess whether their operations fall within the chapter's coverage.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 6601C provides the foundational definitions that determine whether a tenant's residence is covered by Delaware's carbon monoxide detection rules. Tenants living in hotels, motels, multi-family dwellings, extended-stay establishments, or similar paid accommodations may find that their housing qualifies as a 'lodging establishment' under this provision, potentially entitling them to protections under the broader chapter. Tenants who believe their living situation falls within these definitions and that carbon monoxide detection requirements are not being met may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or contact the relevant Delaware state agency for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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