Fire Marshall demanding list to correct

[Kim Huynh]

Hi.  We have a 5 unit property in Willimantic , CT.  We had an inspection by the fire marshall, and he gave us a long list of things to correct.  He wants us to install permanent heating in all the bedrooms which will cost alot of money that we don’t have.   My question is why was this not corrected years ago if it was so important,  and now they want the new owmers to fix it?  He also noted other miscellaneous items for us to do also, and it seems like he's making a wish list.  Why was previous owners not held accountable,  and now we are stuck with all this to do?  What are my options? When we purchased the property, we assumed the property was inspected by the town and therefore their heating and other fire requirements were up to code.  Any assistance will help, as we really do not have funds.  Thank you.

[Samuel Eddinger]

The fire code is getting updated every year.  Some years smoke detectors need to be in bedrooms, others not.  Some years smoke detectors need to be in kitchens, other years it gets changed.  What would have passed previously will not pass anymore.  

I cannot speak with all of the fire marshals in the state but some of them will work with you.  If you explain the situation, perhaps he can give you some grace on getting it done in a more reasonable time.  

This is also a really good learning lesson.  I know of a recent buyer that looked up and asked about when the last fire inspection was done.  It had been a bit and the fire marshal went in to that property (prior to it closing) and made a list.  Now those items had to be disclosed or fixed by the seller.  Needless to say, the buyer got a whole bunch of stuff done right before closing that were not found in a standard inspection.