The secret to minimize loss and headache is to be prepared. A landlord who does not comply with their local Fire Code regulations may find themselves in violation with serious headache and problems. If you do not have a copy of your local fire code please get a copy immediately. Become familiar with it and make sure that you take all necessary steps in order to comply. Take out your insurance policy for your rental property and read it in full; call your insurance agent and ask pertinent questions this week so that you are fully aware and prepared. Landlords should maintain fire separations between units, not just rental units but separation between semi-detached properties. Be careful insulating materials used in your property, which could create a fire hazard. Make sure that you know what must be done to ensure that fire safety standards are met. Fire safety business includes co-operation between landlord and tenants. Do your part and implement strict compliance among your tenants. FIRE SAFETY TIPS Tenants should not maintained stacks of papers, or excess boxes in their unit Tenants should dispose of trash that can fuel a fire Landlords should conduct frequent inspection of the rental premises to determine if the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working condition Clean and text smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Have all electrical equipment, furnaces and fuel-burning appliances all properly maintained by a qualified and licensed professional Chimney and furnaces should be cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician. Do not delay chimney and furnace repairs! Send a written notice to your tenants at least three times per year reminding them of fire safety tips that they should practice. Tenants should be reminded to keep matches and lighters away from their children. During the inspection of your rental unit(s), check if your tenants are storing fuel or other combustible materials. If they are, immediately ask them to remove said materials. Then, once you get home prepare a letter to your tenant, again asking tenant to remove said materials. Give tenants a deadline to do so. Notify your local fire department if your tenant fails to comply. Keep garbage in a safe fireproof area. Call your local Fire Department today! PLEASE DO NOT WAIT any longer. For more information contact your local gas company, and fire department - the Fire Prevention Division.