Staying Ahead of Fire Safety Compliance: The Smart Property Owner’s Guide

Rentals are in a constant state of change where fire safety compliance is concerned. A few years ago, an alarm system was all that was required. Now, thanks to changes in technology, incidents which suggest regulations, property owners are left trying to determine what the compliance landscape looks like.

As the old adage goes, however, the last thing a property owner wants to do is find themselves in a reactive cycle of catching up with compliance.

It’s an arduous, expensive process to have to retroactively comply, so why not stay ahead of the game, if only to avoid unnecessary expenses?

Compliance with fire safety doesn’t just mean you buy an alarm system that ticks the boxes and off you go. There is testing, paperwork, tenant education and a myriad of other requirements, depending on what type of property you own. Property owners who think they can just tickle the fancy of compliance somewhere along the line, often get themselves into hot water when it comes to an inspector who catches them on a regulation that was updated since their last inspection.

Navigating the Maze of Different Regulations

Fire safety regulations come from different areas of government, state, local and even federal. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. Some property owners have a much easier time than others, depending on whether they own single family rentals or multi-unit buildings.

Single family rentals have relatively straightforward regulations, but once you get into apartment buildings and student housing, you have to deal with interconnected alarm systems and other regulations.

Interestingly enough, building codes change and while many property owners are under the mistaken impression they can rest easy due to grandfathering status, such protection is not as rock solid as they think. Situations that may compromise that protection can include changes in ownership or renovations.

It’s likely that property owners caught unawares by this info are in a really unfortunate situation. In this case, it becomes worth your while as a property owner to seek out professionals that know what they’re about.

Quality fire safety solutions for housing providers allow them to comply with the current regulations today as well as get ahead of what regulations may come in the future. Think about it? It’s way cheaper than facing the consequences of being unprepared for an inspector!

Student housing in certain areas gets particular focus due to the number of youngsters in these areas and how often they come and go. Multi-unit buildings require interconnected systems where it alerts the whole building when one alarm goes off.

Single family rentals have less of an issue, but they too are being subjected to more specific requirements each year.

Get Ahead of the Game

Property owners that appear to sail through inspections have systems in place that make their lives pretty darn easy where compliance is concerned.

They’re not running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to get their properties compliant with fire safety regulations. They know their properties are compliant and in good shape because they have good systems in place.

A huge part of this? Documentation. And this is where most people fall short.

Property owners must document everything! When they had equipment installed, when it was replaced or repaired, every single time batteries were checked or changed.

When inspectors show up, if the property owner can present to them a neat and orderly file with all documentation pertaining to the property, it can make all the difference, changing what could have been a hostile situation between inspector and property owner, to one that is a cooperative situation.

Working with Professionals and Modern Technology

Do not wait for the inspections that are due as part of regulations to catch up on your documents that may be in a state of disrepair. Find professionals that can check your property out and let you know what you need to do well in advance without waiting for disasters to strike!

Sure, it costs money upfront, but it’s a whole lot less than dealing with inspections after-the-fact for compliance with regulations!

Dealing with professionals who understand the nuances of your situation makes a world of difference. Find a fire safety solutions professional who has been around the block and understands the challenges property owners face in terms of changing regulations year after year.

Property owners struggling to keep up with a neverending cycle of changing regulations do the following: prepare for changes rather than react to what inspectors present as rules from day-to-day.

There is always information that gets shared with inspectors when they check out buildings as to whether the equipment goes above the minimum requirements or what may be required for the future.

Know which systems are better in terms of longevity and why these aspects matter more than just meeting compliance requirements.

Planning for Long-Term Success

Believe it or not but fire safety systems that follow energy saving requirements are becoming all the rage today! Property owners should definitely consider energy saving compliant systems when purchasing new equipment for their properties.

Don’t just consider the immediate costs of equipment but the costs over time. Many systems may cost more now, but they will save you money over time in terms of reduced insurance premiums as well as less frequent upgrades.

Property owners that consider fire safety compliance a tool for creating additional profits understand they are providing an additional value added service for themselves instead of just another mountain of paperwork to avoid.

Well managed (and safe) properties bring better tenants. Higher rental prices can be charged for properties that are less risky as well as having less chance of cases where someone slips and falls that results in them opening a case against the property owner (or manager) as well as their name on the line.

Investing in creating good reputations around safety can only present you with potential benefits regarding your rental properties.

Consider fire safety compliance something that is part of your overall “business plan” for your properties instead of just another thing to be avoided as you try to avoid fines and court cases. Make fire safety compliance a priority and your properties will continue to be profitable even when rules change year after year!