Fire Ladders and Fire Prevention
I rent the third and fourth floors of a brownstone in West Harlem. We have some questions regarding fire ladders/fire prevention for brownstoners. First, in a renter/rentee mixed occupancy situation, who is responsible for purchasing fire ladders for the rentees? Second, can you recommend a good fire ladder for a brownstone? We’re not sure what…
I rent the third and fourth floors of a brownstone in West Harlem. We have some questions regarding fire ladders/fire prevention for brownstoners. First, in a renter/rentee mixed occupancy situation, who is responsible for purchasing fire ladders for the rentees? Second, can you recommend a good fire ladder for a brownstone? We’re not sure what to buy since our window ledges are wider than in a normal apartment; also, we’re not sure what the best length of a ladder is for a third-floor exit.
Also, regarding window gates: How common is it for brownstoners to install window gates? In a renter/rentee situation, who is obligated to purchase window gates for the rented spaces?
Any thoughts you can provide would be great.
Fire escape is not required if the building is sprinklered.
Do you mean by “window gates” those accordion-like things which prevent kids from falling out windows OR big security gates which prevent burglars? If the former, the landlord is responsible and must ask tenants annually if there are kids present in the apartment. The security gates — I can’t imagine that a landlord is responsible for that. But if you do get them, remember that they cannot be secured with a padlock. You need to be able to get out in the case of a fire. Usually the latch is protected from the outside but still is able to be opened from the inside. Usually.
Fire escapes are only required on 3-and-more family brownstones. Not sure what you mean by “fire ladder”, is that to the roof or downstairs? You mean one of those rope things you can throw out your window?
I think your local FDNY can offer good suggestions on things like that…
Met Housing Council is a great resource for tenant questions.
Landlord is resposinble for all window gates (have to install them if requested) and also for the fire escape (mandatory on 3 family or more.)