Final answer:
In Massachusetts, a four family home built in 1977 would require a smoke detector certificate in line with residential property laws concerning the sale or transfer of property.
Step-by-step explanation:
The property that would REQUIRE a smoke detector certificate in Massachusetts is option B: A four family home built in 1977. According to Massachusetts law, all residential properties, except for certain owner-occupied single-family homes, must acquire a certificate from the fire department indicating that their smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms comply with the law.
This certificate is typically required when the property is being sold. While a single-family home such as option A may not require such a certificate unless it is being sold or transferred, all multi-unit residences, like option B, do require it. Options C and D, being apartment buildings and a two-family home, would also require a certificate. It's important to know that smoke detectors often depend on americium-241, which undergoes α-decay, to ionize the air and detect smoke particles effectively.