« What do these RJA lyrics mean?
Does anybody have pictures of Los Angeles County Fire Department Fire Trucks? »

Fire safety regulations in a rented property?

Would like to know whether it is a legal requirement to have fire alarms, blankets and extinguishers in a rented property.
If it is, how do I go about reporting my landlord if they haven’t met the requirements?

Many thanks
No, i’m not trying to break the lease - our landlord are being really difficult to us at the moment, so trying to catch them out!!

Yes and no. Actually it depends on the state you live in.In Kentucky, I am only *required* to provide one fire alarm per 1200sq ft of living space and all windows/exits have to work property for fire evacuation reasons, and by law, I do not have to purchase the batteries for the alarms, that is tenant responsibility(of course, I do not follow that guideline, and I check the batteries myself monthly, since i personally pick up the rents). However, in places like PA it is a requirement to provide fire alarms in every bedroom. Also remember that in the event of a fire, the landlords property insurance does not cover ANY RENTER’S PROPERTY. Call your local fire authority to get the low-down on your local laws.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 1:19 pm and is filed under fire safety. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

5 Responses to “Fire safety regulations in a rented property?”

  1. I *think* it is only a legal requirement to have fire alarms.

    I have lived in rented properties for 20 odd years and have only ever had a fire alarm.
    References :

  2. Your landlord may not be registered or insured or paying taxes.Any accommodation must have the requisite fire prevention equipment and alarms etc.See your local fire station officer,he will advise you gladly.
    References :

  3. Yes and no. Actually it depends on the state you live in.In Kentucky, I am only *required* to provide one fire alarm per 1200sq ft of living space and all windows/exits have to work property for fire evacuation reasons, and by law, I do not have to purchase the batteries for the alarms, that is tenant responsibility(of course, I do not follow that guideline, and I check the batteries myself monthly, since i personally pick up the rents). However, in places like PA it is a requirement to provide fire alarms in every bedroom. Also remember that in the event of a fire, the landlords property insurance does not cover ANY RENTER’S PROPERTY. Call your local fire authority to get the low-down on your local laws.
    References :
    Property Manager for 5+ years

  4. In Arizona and Nevada, smoke alarms.
    Also depends in what year built.
    I have to have one alarm in the common hallway to all bedrooms.
    Sounds like you are trying to set up breaking your lease!
    Check your local fire codes.
    Then talk to your landlord.
    References :
    25 year Landlord, have heard it all!

  5. Smoke detectors, yes, most areas require at least battery operated units.

    Blankets and extinguishers, most likely not unless it is a large complex.

    You need to look up your city or town’s fire codes and ordinances. You can always call the local fire marshal and ask.
    References :

Leave a Reply