FDNY Violations for Residential Buildings: Inspection Checklist

The NYC Fire Department (FDNY) conducts both scheduled and complaint-driven inspections of residential buildings to enforce the NYC Fire Code. Violations can result in fines, stop-use orders, and criminal liability if fires result in injury or death. This comprehensive checklist helps property owners maintain compliance and avoid penalties.

FDNY Inspection Frequency

• Class A (High-Rise): Annual inspections
• Class B (4–6 stories): Every 2–3 years
• Class C (1–3 stories): Every 3–5 years or complaint-driven
• Complaint-Driven: Within 1–7 days of 311/FDNY complaint

Pre-Inspection Checklist

1. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Requirements:

• Install UL-listed smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every floor
• Install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors within 15 feet of all sleeping areas
• Use interconnected detectors (when one sounds, all sound)
• Test monthly and replace batteries annually (or use 10-year sealed units)
• Replace entire detector every 10 years

Common Violations:

• Missing detectors in bedrooms or hallways
• Dead batteries or non-functional detectors
• Expired detectors (older than 10 years)
• Painted-over or covered detectors

Penalty: $25–$250 per unit + criminal liability if fire results in injury/death

2. Means of Egress (Fire Exits)

Requirements:

• Keep all exits, hallways, and stairwells clear of obstructions
• Install panic bars on exit doors (no key-operated locks)
• Maintain proper exit signage (illuminated or photoluminescent)
• Ensure self-closing doors close and latch properly
• Provide emergency lighting in all exits and hallways

Common Violations:

• Storage in hallways, stairwells, or exits
• Locked or chained exit doors
• Broken exit signs or emergency lights
• Doors that don't self-close or latch

Penalty: $500–$5,000 per violation

3. Fire Extinguishers

Requirements:

• Provide 2A:10BC-rated fire extinguishers on every floor
• Mount extinguishers within 75 feet of any point in the building
• Inspect and service extinguishers annually (tag must show current date)
• Keep extinguishers visible and accessible (not behind locked doors)

Common Violations:

• Missing or expired extinguishers
• No annual service tag
• Extinguishers blocked or inaccessible
• Discharged or damaged extinguishers

Penalty: $100–$500 per violation

4. Fire Alarm Systems

Requirements:

• Install FDNY-approved fire alarm systems in buildings over 3 stories
• Test alarm systems quarterly (document tests in logbook)
• File annual Certificate of Fitness (C of F) inspection with FDNY
• Ensure alarm panels are accessible and functional

Common Violations:

• Non-functional alarm panels or pull stations
• Missing annual inspection
• No logbook or incomplete testing records
• Out-of-service alarm zones

Penalty: $500–$2,500 per violation

5. Sprinkler Systems

Requirements:

• Maintain automatic sprinkler systems in buildings where required (4+ stories built after 2009, or retrofitted)
• Conduct quarterly inspections by licensed sprinkler contractor
• File annual sprinkler inspection report with FDNY
• Keep sprinkler valves accessible and labeled

Common Violations:

• Out-of-service sprinkler zones
• Missing annual inspection
• Obstructed or painted sprinkler heads
• No water flow test on record

Penalty: $1,000–$5,000 per violation + stop-use orders

6. Elevator Fire Service

Requirements:

• Install Phase I (lobby recall) and Phase II (in-car firefighter control) in buildings over 4 stories
• Test elevator fire service annually with DOB-approved contractor
• Ensure elevator keys are accessible to FDNY (Knox Box)

Common Violations:

• Non-functional fire service modes
• Missing or expired annual test
• No firefighter keys available

Penalty: $500–$2,000 per violation

7. Combustible Storage and Hazardous Materials

Requirements:

• Limit combustible storage in basements, boiler rooms, and common areas
• Store flammable liquids in approved cabinets
• Remove accumulated garbage and debris
• Keep boiler rooms clear of combustibles (10-foot clearance)

Common Violations:

• Excessive storage in boiler rooms or exits
• Improper storage of flammable materials
• Accumulated garbage or debris in common areas

Penalty: $200–$1,500 per violation

8. Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs

Requirements:

• Install battery-powered emergency lighting in all exits and hallways
• Test emergency lights monthly (document in logbook)
• Maintain illuminated or photoluminescent exit signs above all exits
• Ensure 90-minute battery backup for emergency lighting

Common Violations:

• Non-functional emergency lights or exit signs
• No monthly testing logbook
• Dead batteries in emergency lighting

Penalty: $100–$500 per violation

9. Self-Closing Doors

Requirements:

• Install self-closing doors on stairwell doors, fire-rated doors, and apartment entry doors
• Ensure doors close fully and latch (no propping open)
• Repair or replace broken door closers immediately

Common Violations:

• Doors propped open with wedges or objects
• Broken or missing door closers
• Doors that don't latch properly

Penalty: $200–$1,000 per violation

10. Fire Drill and Evacuation Plans

Requirements:

• Conduct annual fire drills (high-rise and large residential buildings)
• Post Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans in lobbies and elevators
• Maintain building evacuation route diagrams on every floor
• Train staff on emergency procedures

Common Violations:

• No fire drills on record
• Missing or outdated evacuation plans
• Untrained building staff

Penalty: $100–$1,000 per violation

FDNY Inspection Process

Step 1: Inspection Notice (Or Surprise Inspection)

FDNY may provide 24–72 hours' notice for scheduled inspections, or arrive unannounced for complaint-driven inspections.

Step 2: Walk-Through Inspection

Inspectors check all areas: common areas, exits, boiler rooms, roof, apartments (with tenant consent).

Step 3: Violations Issued

If violations are found, FDNY issues a Notice of Violation (NOV) with correction deadline (typically 30–90 days).

Step 4: Correction and Re-Inspection

Correct violations within deadline and request FDNY re-inspection. Provide proof of correction (invoices, photos, certificates).

Step 5: Fines or OATH Hearings

If violations are not corrected, FDNY refers case to ECB/OATH for civil penalties.

Monthly Fire Safety Checklist for Property Managers

• ☐ Test all smoke and CO detectors
• ☐ Inspect fire exits and stairwells for obstructions
• ☐ Test emergency lighting and exit signs
• ☐ Check fire extinguisher gauges and service tags
• ☐ Verify self-closing doors close and latch properly
• ☐ Test fire alarm pull stations (one per floor)
• ☐ Remove combustible storage from exits and boiler rooms
• ☐ Document all tests in fire safety logbook

Key Takeaways

• Conduct monthly fire safety inspections to catch issues before FDNY
• Install and test smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting
• Keep all fire exits clear and self-closing doors functional
• Document all inspections, tests, and repairs in logbooks
• Use automated monitoring to track FDNY violations and deadlines

Resources

• FDNY Official Website
• NYC Fire Code (PDF)
• NYC DOB Violations Complete Guide
• 311 Complaints That Become Violations

Frequently Asked Questions

How often are FDNY fire safety inspections required?

Residential buildings with 3+ units: annually. High-rise (75+ feet): semi-annually. FDNY schedules inspections, but you can request voluntary inspections.

What are the penalties for FDNY violations?

Class A: $25–$100. Class B: $200–$400. Class C (immediately hazardous): $1,000+ and potential building closure.

Can I dispute an FDNY violation?

Yes. Request an ECB/OATH hearing within 40–60 days. Bring photos, invoices, and proof of correction.

Related Resources

• Complete Guide to NYC Building Violations
• ECB/OATH Hearings Explained
• NYC Permit Types 101
• Free NYC Violation Lookup Tool

Last updated: October 2025. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or fire safety advice.