Fire & Life Safety
NYC owner & manager guide • Reviewed October 8, 2026
← Resource Center · Compliance Calendar
Use this guide to organize coverage, deadlines, and follow-up for your buildings. Requirements depend on the property and equipment; confirm applicability and current filing instructions with the responsible agency and qualified professional.
Apartment emergency guides and annual bulletins
Residents need building-specific emergency information and the current FDNY materials. The full guide and annual bulletin have different distribution rules.
Who should check coverage?
Apartment buildings subject to FDNY’s fire and emergency preparedness guide and notice requirements.
Timing
Use the applicable FDNY rule and the distribution deadline issued with the current guide or bulletin; do not assign a universal January 15 deadline.
Your action checklist
1. Keep the building-information section accurate.
2. Distribute the required guide, checklist, bulletin, and updated information on their applicable schedules.
3. Maintain required fire/emergency and close-the-door notices in the proper locations.
Records to keep
Dated materials, building-information version, distribution evidence, and notice photographs.
Official sources: FDNY apartment emergency guide · FDNY guide and notice rule
Sprinkler and standpipe testing
Different fire-protection systems require different inspection and test programs. Avoid treating every sprinkler installation as the same five-year hydrostatic test.
Who should check coverage?
Buildings with covered standpipe and sprinkler systems, as determined by system design and applicable code.
Timing
Standpipe hydrostatic pressure and flow tests are required at least every five years or on the commissioner’s order. Other system tasks follow their applicable schedules.
Your action checklist
1. Inventory systems and obtain the last accepted test records.
2. Have the licensed fire-suppression professional establish the correct scope and arrange required FDNY witnessing.
3. Track failures, repairs, retesting, and final documentation.
Records to keep
System plans, test reports, FDNY documentation, maintenance logs, and repair/retest evidence.
Official sources: Standpipe five-year testing requirement · FDNY inspection requests
Emergency planning and evacuation plans
Required plans help staff and responders understand building systems, hazards, and emergency procedures.
Who should check coverage?
Buildings and occupancies requiring FDNY emergency planning and preparedness submissions. The plan type depends on the occupancy.
Timing
Initial approval and updates when required by changes to the building, systems, occupancy, or applicable rules.
Your action checklist
1. Confirm the required plan type with a qualified professional.
2. Keep building layout, egress, fire-protection systems, and responsible personnel information current.
3. Submit through FDNY’s current process and maintain required training, drills, and copies appropriate to the plan.
Records to keep
Approved plan, amendments, staff assignments, required training/drill records, and agency correspondence.
Official sources: FDNY emergency planning and preparedness
FDNY permits and renewals
Permit compliance starts with a complete inventory of regulated equipment, materials, and activities.
Who should check coverage?
Uses and conditions requiring a permit under the Fire Code.
Timing
Follow each permit’s expiration and conditions. Do not assume all permits last one year or five years.
Your action checklist
1. Match the building’s activities and equipment to required FDNY permits.
2. Complete applicable inspections, fees, and renewal steps.
3. Keep issued permits at the designated premises and available for inspection.
Records to keep
Permit register, current permits, inspection results, renewal receipts, and corrective actions.
Official sources: FDNY permits
Certificates of Fitness
A Certificate of Fitness belongs to the qualified person and authorizes a particular function. It is not interchangeable with the building’s permit.
Who should check coverage?
Staff supervising systems or performing activities that require the applicable FDNY certificate.
Timing
Track the certificate’s expiration, site limitations, renewal requirements, and staffing coverage.
Your action checklist
1. Identify the correct certificate for each system and role.
2. Check holder qualifications and any premises-specific restrictions.
3. Plan backup coverage and renew through FDNY’s current process before expiration.
Records to keep
Certificate copies, holder/site roster, expiration dates, coverage schedule, and renewal receipts.
Official sources: FDNY S-95 scope · FDNY renewal guidance
Portable fire extinguishers
A visible extinguisher is only useful if it is appropriate, accessible, charged, and maintained.
Who should check coverage?
Locations required to provide portable fire extinguishers, with type and placement determined by the hazard and applicable rules.
Timing
Monthly visual checks and annual servicing, plus additional service/testing when required by condition, use, or equipment schedule.
Your action checklist
1. Check designated location, accessibility, visible damage, and readiness.
2. Use an FDNY-approved servicing company for required maintenance.
3. Replace or service deficient equipment promptly and retain the records.
Records to keep
Inventory, monthly checks, service tags, annual maintenance, and applicable testing records.
Official sources: FDNY extinguisher maintenance guidance · FDNY servicing companies and credentials
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