April 14, 2005

At a ceremony at Cliffside Park School #6 this afternoon, Acting Governor Richard Codey signed into law legislation requiring that upon the sale, lease or transfer of a building with three or fewer dwelling units, each unit be equipped with at least one portable fire extinguisher. NJAR was able to secure an amendment to the legislation to exclude all seasonal rental units. The bill further states that the extinguisher is to be provided at the expense of the seller, landlord or transferor of the property.

The law defines portable fire extinguisher as "an operable portable device, carried and operated by hand, containing an extinguishing agent that can be expelled under pressure for the purpose of suppressing or extinguishing fire, and which is: (1) rated for residential use consisting of an ABC type; (2) no larger than a 10 pound rated extinguisher; and (3) mounted within 10 feet of the kitchen area, unless otherwise permitted by the enforcing agency."

Although the legislation takes effect on November 1, 2005, it provides that the Department of Community Affairs will promulgate rules and regulations to further clarify certain aspects of the statute prior to enforcement. Go to http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2004/Bills/ S1500/1294_R2.PDF to read the bill text.

If you have any questions, e-mail Doug Tomson at dtomson@njar.com.