8 Common Fire Code Violations in Apartments

As a property manager or tenant it is important to know what the fire safety requirements are for your apartment building.

 

Top 8 Fire Code Violations in Apartments

• Overloaded circuits
  
• Blocked exits
• Faulty fire alarms
• Improperly stored flammable materials
• Fire extinguisher issues
• Extension cord usage
  
• Defective heating appliances
  
• Inadequate Emergency Lighting 

 

Fire codes can seem like an inconvenience or annoying hoop to jump through. But everyone wants their building to be safe and the truth is that fire codes are an essential part of apartment fire safety. 

Let's look at these violations more in depth.

 

Overloaded circuits

Asking too much from your electrical circuits is one of the most common fire code violations. A circuit is a group of connected electrical outlets that is designed to carry electricity safely.

The number of outlets a circuit allows in commercial and residential buildings is governed by fire codes because wiring can overheat if too many appliances or equipment are connected to one circuit.

Large appliances, such as refrigerators and washers, are often wired into individual circuits to prevent any potential fire hazards.

Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet. Never chain power strips to one another as this can quickly overload the circuit.

Overloaded circuits can quickly heat up, creating short circuits and sparks that can ignite fires. 

Blocked exits

This fire code violation is more common in commercial buildings because they tend to have high foot traffic, but still happen in apartments.

Overcrowding near exits, or placing large furniture too close to doorways or emergency exit doors makes it difficult for occupants to escape safely if there was ever a fire.

Most building owners don’t ever intentionally block exit doors. Typically, items are placed near exits temporarily. But it’s impossible to predict when a fire breaks out.

If a fire emergency occurs and you have obstructed passageways or exits then it’s already too late.

 

Faulty fire alarms

Fire alarms are one of the most fundamental elements of proper fire protection and are critical for protecting against fire damage, so it’s no surprise that they’re legally required.

Residential buildings should include a smoke detector in every room where a person sleeps, as well as an alarm outside sleeping rooms on every floor of the building. Larger apartments may have additional requirements.

Installing smoke alarms is the first step, but keeping them in working order is an ongoing responsibility of property owners. It doesn’t take much time or effort and ensuring a building’s smoke detectors are installed and maintained properly can be a lifesaver.

Yearly maintenance is often as simple as replacing a smoke detector battery. To learn more about smoke detectors, see our helpful guide Smoke Alarm 101.

 

Improperly stored flammable materials

This one is more for property managers/owners. Improper storage of combustible materials such as oil-based paints, solvents, aerosols, or fuels used for running machinery is a frequent fire code violation. 

Inadequate storage spaces or incorrect containment methods used during transportation within the premises itself (i.e. using cardboard boxes instead of metal containers) can create a fire hazard.

Make sure to understand exactly which laws apply to your building with storing combustible materials.

 

Fire extinguisher issues

Obviously, fire extinguishers or even a fire sprinkler system won’t prevent fires. But they do help mitigate the damage once a fire has occurred. This makes them crucial fire safety measures to have in place.

The number of fire extinguishers and the requirement to install fire sprinklers varies by building type and location so you’ll need to ensure you meet local regulations. Also make sure to check your extinguishers often and replace any that have expired.

Preventing fires from spreading throughout the entire structure quickly could not only save lives but also save thousands, if not millions, of dollars. 

 

Extension cord usage

Extension cords are great at fixing issues temporarily, but if used for a long period of time it counts as one of the most severe code violations there is!

Extension cords are not to be used under doors, through holes in the wall, connected to one another, or used to power permanent fixtures/appliances.

You can avoid the hefty fines associated with this violation by having an electrician install more outlets into your apartment.

 

Defective heating appliances

Heating appliances can become dangerous when they fail to comply with local fire codes, are not properly installed, or when the wrong type of appliance is used in the wrong space.

Even heating appliances that are installed properly may become defective due to repeated use without regular service and maintenance, resulting in dangerous wear and tear.

The National Fire Protection Association lists heating appliances as one of the top five leading causes of home or apartment fires in the U.S., causing $1 billion in property damage annually.

To avoid fires, explosions, and/or electric shocks, use an approved device and establish regular servicing and maintenance plans. Tenants can also play a part by cleaning heating units and replacing air filters.

 

Inadequate emergency lighting

As silly as it may sound, having effective emergency lighting can save lives. That is precisely why it is a violation to not have functioning emergency lighting.

Lighting needs to indicate exits, they shouldn't be flickering, and all of the lights inside should be functioning. 

A regular maintenance schedule will help maintain this signage and help avoid fines or penalties due to violation.

How to report a violation

As a resident, your safety is the thing at stake here. If you find any code violations in your building you can report it to your local fire department or code enforcement office.

Your state website should include a registry of numbers or websites to visit to report these infractions.

Other fire safety measures

While not required by law 100% of the time, these safety measures and fire prevention equipment can certainly help keep your apartments safer.

 

Smoke Alarm Monitoring Systems

While not required by law, smoke alarm monitoring systems, like our Auto Stove Shutoff, help prevent the most common cause of house and apartment fires, unattended cooking.

This extra layer of protection against the threat of fire uses cloud-based monitoring to automatically shut off appliances like stoves when a smoke alarm is triggered. 

So not only do they alert residents of a fire but they provide priceless fire protection by preventing damaging kitchen fires from ever starting.

These systems are great because they never need to be replaced and can prevent fires after fires with no maintenance.

 

Fire Suppression Systems

An alternative to smoke alarm monitoring is a fire suppression system. Often these are little canisters that explode an extinguishing powder if large flames are present.

These systems can often get rid of fires after they start, preventing them from becoming seriously dangerous or damaging.

The main downside to this option is they have to be replaced whenever activated and as they expire creating a cyclical cost.

 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that can be released from furnaces, fireplaces, and other sources of combustion. When present in high concentrations, carbon monoxide can be deadly. 

In the United States, carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in all newly constructed homes, as well as existing dwellings when they undergo contiguous renovations that require a building permit.

This new code is in place to protect inhabitants from carbon monoxide poisoning due to faulty heating systems and other potential carbon monoxide sources throughout the home.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be checked frequently and replaced regularly to ensure maximum protection of those living inside.

 

Why are fire codes important

Following these regulations is not only necessary for property owners to pass fire safety inspections but is also crucial to apartment safety and plays an important role in ensuring the well-being of all who occupy the building or its surrounding areas.

We know maintaining a property is a lot of work so a single fire code violation might not seem like a big deal. However, being vigilant in maintaining comprehensive fire protection systems is too important to overlook.

We hope this blog has helped educate you about top fire code violations and how to make sure your home or property is safe.