Safety & painted shut windows in Pittsburgh, PA

[AJSchnarrs]

Is my landlord required to provide me a fire extinguisher? All of our windows are painted shut, and we only have one exit door, we are on the first floor, are we still required to have 2 exits? Also, our apartment door only has a deadbolt, the doorknob is like a bedroom doorknob, it has no lock. The deadbolt locks with a key on both sides. Can I ask my landlord to replace that with one that has a latch on our side? Is that a fire hazard? Can I ask that my door has 2 locks, one on the doorknob too? Also, can I ask my landlord to repair the windows that don't open and to provide screens for the windows?

Thanks,

andrea
Pittsburgh, PA

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Whether a fire extinguisher is required or not (and the actual requirements seem to vary on different districts in Pennsylvania), it's always a smart move for a landlord to provide one. I do on all our rentals, although it's not a requirement in my area.

You can ask your landlord to replace the locks; however, a deadbolt is a lock and there is no requirement that you must have one with a latch on the inside.

You can ask your landlord to work on opening the windows that are sealed with paint. If your rental is part of federal housing (i.e., Section 8 or HUD) it is typically required that windows (especially those in bedrooms) are able to be opened as an exit in case of a fire during the night.

Screens are sometimes required (again in Section 8/HUD homes) but often not in a private situation, especially if other sources of ventilation (i.e., central heat/air) are a part of the rental.

Gail