Fire safety for homeowners' associations and residential complexes

The deed of division and the regulations determine which parts are communal and how costs are shared. The HOA usually arranges the maintenance of communal parts. Where damage was caused by an owner's work, it can be investigated separately whether repair costs can be recovered from that owner. That does not follow automatically from the location of the penetration. Our report records the location of each defect and what is known about the cause, so the board can make that assessment.

There is no fixed inspection obligation for structural fire protection. The duties of care in the Bbl do apply, for the condition of the building and for fire-safe use. The HOA usually arranges the maintenance of the communal parts, and good documentation helps to show that the communal fire safety provisions are present and in order. After an incident or during an inspection by the municipality or fire service, this will be asked for.

With a report that states the location, risk, cost and repair deadline for each defect. Phasing is only appropriate if safety, the applicable regulations and any repair deadlines allow it. A long-term maintenance plan or a meeting resolution does not justify allowing a dangerous situation to continue.

Yes. Most of the work is in communal areas: corridors, stairwells, shafts and storage areas. Work inside a dwelling we schedule per apartment in consultation with the resident, usually within half a day.