NYFD Regulations on keeping hallways free of debris
I have tenants who live on the top floor of my brownstone who are nice people but who developed some habits prior to my buying the building, namely, they have a little table in the hallway and keep umbrellas, shoes, and coats on pegs in the hallway as well as their shopping cart, which makes…
I have tenants who live on the top floor of my brownstone who are nice people but who developed some habits prior to my buying the building, namely, they have a little table in the hallway and keep umbrellas, shoes, and coats on pegs in the hallway as well as their shopping cart, which makes it pretty crowded up there.
They have endured building renovations and I cut them slack on these things but I understand that the New York Fire Department requires owners to keep the hallways free. How free? All of these personal belongs are near the ladder leading to the roof opening.
Can anyone clarify what the ruling is on this? I would like to address this issue and include information from the FDNY to them to explain why this space can no longer be used for storage, as an extension of their apartment. (It also annoys me). I don’t want to be unreasonable about it but I am sure they have crossed the line. I just don’t know exactly where the line is.
Thank you.
One tenant is easy. Multiple tenants complicates things a little bit.
Because, 7:05, it’s called communication. Or maybe accomodation. Or just treating your tenants well.
I must say that in 20 years as a landlord (with a single tenant in-house) I’ve never had any such problems. I’d politely tell them it’s ok to hang coats but not place tables and cycles around, and I’d bet they go along with it. You get the treatment you solicit.
I agree with above poster. Why argue about what is ok and what is not ok. Just put it in the lease: nothing in the hallway. What is the big deal? I have fourteen tenants that have no problem with this.
But the OP says “they have a little table in the hallway and keep umbrellas, shoes, and coats on pegs in the hallway as well as their shopping cart” The table and shopping cart will block the area and should not be there. And if the tenants are in the habit of keeping umbrellas outside the apt. then they might think it’s fine to open up a wet umbrella and use the hallway as a space to dry the umbrella, and that could block the area, and in a fire, someone could get tripped up in the umbrella.
So rather then get into any debate of, why is OK to put X in the hall and not Y, just have clause in the lease that NO items can be stored in the hall.
As a retired firefighter and a live in landlord let me say this please, coats and hats etc hanging on pegs from the wall and shoes lined up against the wall are not a violation of the fire code and are very common. Many people do not have the closet space for these, and many people (myself included) remove shoes before entering the living space. The items that would be against code are such things as bicycles, baby carriages and other lkarge items that impede egress and access to the ap[artment, floors above, roof scuttle access etc. Bicycles are actually very dangerous for firefighters entering and traveling down a hallway believe it or not. It is relatively easy for a firefighter to get the valve on his air bottle hooked into the spokes of the wheels and get incapacitated.
I 2:38 PM and I think there is an undertone of hostility or maybe it is privilege in your post. You either have it in for these people already (and that may be their fault or you just may have an attitude). Some landlords – especially the amateur or owner occupied ilk) seem to go on a power trip when they buy a building and to think they are on a higher level than their tenants, regardless of whether the tenants are good or bad. That just might be the case with you, based on the tone of what you wrote.
In any case I am sure you and your tenants have a bumpy road ahead and I wish you all well.
I just had a fire safety inspection this morning for my sprinklers, and the inspector stated that a tenant’s object in the hallway was a building code violation. He also said Bloomberg just signed a new law turning fire safety inspections over from the dept of buildings to the fire department itself, and that it is expected to be much stricter going forward. Maybe you can mention that as the reason you are changing the rules on the tenants.
Thank you very much for the links and the comments. I have no problem asking them to remove the stuff, but wanted to point out the concrete regulations regarding these matters. This was extremely helpful, I appreciate your input. If I have any problems, I’ll just send them over to 2:38’s house.
2:39 PM “I don’t know the fire code” then dude, why didn’t you bother to look it up before spouting an opinion?
3:34 PM posted the section of the code and the link. In addition to the specifics of not blocking public hallways and fire escapes, there general section about tenants being liable if there is a violation is caused by the tenant.
Sec. 27-2006 Duties of tenant
a. A tenant shall, in addition to complying with all provisions of this code and the Multiple Dwelling Law applicable to him or her, be responsible for violations of this code to the extent that he or she has the power to prevent the occurrence of a violation. A tenant has the power to prevent the occurrence of a violation if:
It is caused by his or her own willful act or that of a member of his or her family or household, or a guest; or
It is the result of such tenant’s gross negligence, neglect or abuse, or the gross negligence, neglect or abuse of a member of his or her family, or household or a guest.
b. The tenant, any member of his or her family or household, or his or her guest shall, with respect to the public parts of the premises, be liable if a violation is caused by such tenant’s own willful act, gross negligence, neglect or abuse.
c. The fact that a tenant is or may be liable for a violation of this code or any other law or is found liable for civil or criminal penalties does not relieve the owner of his or her obligation to keep the premises and every part thereof, in good repair.