Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams’s Office posted the following information Sunday for residents who are renting:
A recent question posed in a local media group. In Texas, it is the tenant’s responsibility to notify the landlord in writing. (See below)
a) If a landlord has installed a 1A10BC residential fire extinguisher as defined by the National Fire Protection Association or other non-rechargeable fire extinguisher in accordance with a local ordinance or other law, the landlord or the landlord’s agent shall inspect the fire extinguisher:
1. at the beginning of a tenant’s possession; and
2. within a reasonable time after receiving a written request by a tenant.
b) At a minimum, an inspection under this section must include:
1. checking to ensure the fire extinguisher is present; and
2. checking to ensure the fire extinguisher gauge or pressure indicator indicates the correct pressure as recommended by the manufacturer of the fire extinguisher.
c) A fire extinguisher that satisfies the inspection requirements of Subsection (b) at the beginning of a tenant’s possession is presumed to be in good working order until the tenant requests an inspection in writing.
