Reasons To Not Delay Fire Escape Repairs After a Violation
Compliance with fire safety regulations is essential for property managers and building owners. Fire safety codes are in place to protect occupants and the property in emergencies. If your fire escape ever receives a citation for a violation, something needs attention and repairs.
Unfortunately, some property managers and building owners may postpone repairs due to budget constraints, time limitations, or a misunderstanding of the severity of the situation. However, delaying fire escape repairs after a violation can have bad consequences for the building owner and tenants.
Addressing violations quickly demonstrates your sense of responsibility as a property owner or manager and protects the future of your property. Explore the legal, financial, and safety reasons not to delay fire escape repairs after a violation. Whether you own a small residential building or a sprawling commercial property, learn what’s at stake if you delay compliance.
Legal and Financial Penalties Add Up Quickly
A violation notice is documentation that your building is not in compliance with fire safety codes, which keep occupants safe in case of a fire. You might have to deal with steep fines if you ignore the violation notice.
Many local governments impose daily penalties until you complete repairs so that your fire escape can pass re-inspection. Even a one-day delay could translate into thousands of dollars in fines. This financial hit could easily outweigh the repair costs. Non-compliance might lead to legal action and litigation expenses that further stress your budget.
Procrastination Could Lead to High Repair Costs
A delay in repairs could make a minor problem far worse if the fire escape sustains more damage as it goes without repairs. When corrosion spreads, for instance, what started as a rust removal project can turn into the replacement of critical components. As a result, labor and material costs can rise with time, especially if permits or municipal inspections need repeating due to non-compliance.
By tackling the issue, you can control repair costs before they spiral out of hand. Early intervention helps you comply within the grace period of a violation notice and avoid more penalties.
Your Property Value Could Take a Hit
An unresolved fire escape violation can reduce your building’s market appeal. Think about it—would you buy or invest in a property with outstanding compliance issues? Probably not.
Prospective buyers, tenants, or partners may shy away from dealing with a property that presents liabilities. Furthermore, a neglected fire escape signals a lack of property upkeep, which could lead to questions about the condition of other systems, such as plumbing, electrical, or heating. If you are planning to sell or refinance down the line, the unresolved violations could become a major roadblock or reduce the value.
Your Reputation Could Take a Hit, Too
Your tenants and occupants rely on you to provide a safe and well-maintained environment. Leaving a fire escape violation unaddressed sends the wrong message to those who live or work in your building.
It might make them question your level of commitment to their well-being. This lack of trust could lead to higher tenant turnover, negative reviews, or even withholding rent payment. Once you lose your occupants’ trust, it can take years to earn it back, which could cost you in the long run.
Delays Could Affect Insurance Premiums and Claims
Your property insurance providers will likely look as badly upon unaddressed fire escape violations as your tenants and other stakeholders. Some insurers require buildings to comply with all local codes and safety standards, and a pending violation could trigger premium increases, or in extreme cases, the revoking of your coverage.
Unaddressed Fire Escapes Expose You to Liability Risks
The unfortunate truth is that emergencies won’t wait for you to repair the fire escape. If a fire or emergency occurs while your fire escape violations remain unattended to, this could complicate insurance claims and expose you to lawsuits.
As a result, insurers might pay significantly less or deny claims altogether if they determine you didn’t act responsibly in addressing known hazards and your negligence exacerbated problems. Likewise, occupants or loved ones acting on their behalf could hold you liable for damages, injuries, or fatalities.
Making timely repairs protects lives and secures the integrity of your building’s insurance policy. Don’t overlook these layers of legal and financial protection!
Neglected Repairs Could Lead to Disruption in Building Operations
Depending on where you live, your jurisdiction may deem parts of your building unusable or limit tenant occupancy until you address violations. This could negatively affect revenue if new tenants have to delay their move into your building and if current tenants must relocate.
Quick repairs are not very disruptive, and most of the building is fully functional. Plus, a fire escape in good shape sends a message to tenants, employees, or visitors that their safety is a priority.
How To Approach Fire Escape Repairs
Addressing fire escape violations may seem daunting, but it’s manageable with the right approach and help from certified professionals. Here are the steps you can take for repairs:
Hire Qualified Inspectors and Contractors
Work with licensed professionals experienced in fire escape installations and repairs, such as the Maximum Fire Escapes team. We know the ins and outs of fire escape structures and components and have specialized knowledge and years of experience handling the following fire escape services:
Fabrication
Installation
Repairs
Inspections
We can complete repairs that address corrosion or rust. We can also take care of fire escape painting that protects the structure from the environment while refreshing its aesthetics—we’ve got you covered! We use the latest industry techniques and top-quality materials in our work. In addition, we’re on top of fire prevention codes. Calling us to make routine repairs and inspections to your fire escape is integral to maintaining and avoiding future violations.
With so many reasons not to delay fire escape repairs after a violation, don’t wait until it’s too late. Take the steps today to ensure your fire escape is in full working order and ready to serve its purpose.