Will it cost anything to have the fire inspector check out the duplex I am renting?

Question

The place I am renting almost burned down because of an electrical problem. The fire department was not involved since it was discovered after the fire was out (water from a toilet put it out).

I am thinking about asking the fire inspector to check out the building and have a few questions:

Will this cost anything?

Does the owner of the home need to consent to an inspection?

Does the entire home need to be inspected (the owner lives in the other half, the electric goes to both sides)?

If the home is condemned the owner will be required to vacate as well, correct?

Will the fire inspector state that the use of grounding eliminators makes the place unsafe to live in (we have no grounds and need to have our appliances plugged in) ?

Answer 1

If you request this, be prepared to have to leave if serious  flaws are found.

In most cities:

* any legal resident of the house can request an inspection, otherwise slumlords would never get inspected.

* Usually it's zoning and housing department who does the inspection, but the fire department's information number would know.

* it doesn't cost anything

* if they find serious problems on your side, they can get a subpoena to inspect the other side.

* not having grounded outlets may be a violation, but he'llhave to fix the violation.

Yes, if the building is found to be unsafe, it gets "black-tagged"and the owner has to being it up to code and get a new occupancy permit before anyone can move in.

If he did things without permits, he could have to remove everything and do it right.

Answer 2

It would be a good idea to ask someone at the fire marshal's office of the town and state where this place is. Laws differ from state to state. I found that out the hard way.

Answer 3

I am not sure I dont think there is a cost but I believe only the owner can ask for an inspector to come in but I may be wrong if there is a serious risk then call yor local fire department and ask them for advice on how to proceed.  Depending on how bog of a community you live in the Inspector may be a member of the Fire Dept anyways.

Answer 4

It is usally free, it depends what company you go with. Yes, both parts will need to be inspected cause of fire and safety reasons!

Answer 5

YOU CAN CONTACT, HEALTH DEPARTMENT, BUT MUST

PUT IN YOUR COMPLAINT, A INSPECTOR WILL CALL

YOU AND GET APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOU

OR YOU CONTACT,YOUR MAJOR ACTION BUERAE IN STATE OF.

YOUR REGION, THEY CAN ALSO CONTACT INSPECTORS FOR YOU, I DON'T THINK THIER'LL CHARGE YOU NOTHING.