Apartment complex hallway windows nailed shut, is this allowed?

Question

So pretty much I live in a 3 story building, the windows by the staircase are always open because it gets extremely hot in the hallways. Recently (Today) they nailed those windows shut. My problem is, I live next to the staircase and it is extremely hot in the hallway and now in my apartment with these windows closed. My question is, I was wondering if this is is a fire hazard or ventilation problem, so I can file a complaint about it.. Or should I just go and take the nails out of the window? I kinda want to just be mean and say something due to the extreme amount of problems everyone has with this complex but I also dont want to wait to have this sh*t fixed

Answer 1

It is legal. No windows are required. They can brink it in if they want.



You should not mess with any property you do not own.

Answer 2

Hallway Windows

Answer 3

Call the fire marshall's office immediately! Local regulations vary but the national codes have language saying alternate means of escape must be available. The local interpretation will most likely include windows in a third story hall as "alternate escapes".



Now, the landlord may have some ability to require the windows remain closed to prevent rain damage to the interior hallway at the windows. Or local laws may require that the windows be screened as a pest control.



Do an internet search of landlord - tenant laws in your area. You can usually find a pdf file with all the legal details. Often, some housing assistant or legal aid group will have a pdf booklet or faq section that puts most of that in plain English. You may also want to call one of those groups for advice.

Answer 4

Nobody here knows what the window is like or what other means of exit there are in case of an emergency. The fact a window opens or not does not stop someone from breaking it for an emergency. You said it's on the 3rd floor so that's hardly a real escape route.



It is possible these are required to open based on your local building code. You'd need to speak research that yourself or talk to a building inspector or fire marshal to be certain.

Answer 5

Absolutely not legal. Call your fire marshal. That can hinder you and the fire department. Most people don't know that abandoned buildings have regulations as to how you can board up windows. He legally could not even cover it with plywood nailed all the way around. It has to be done with wood on the outside a 2x4 on the inside and a carriage bolt on the inside so the FD can cut it with a single swipe of a chain saw. Forget an inhabited property. I have seen people get in trouble with the state for nailing the windows of their kids even if the kids are bad and sneak out. Since The Station Fire that killed 100 people 2 towns over from me laws regarding fire safety have gotten super strict. If you don't know look up The Station Fire Warwick and the changes it brought about. I digress not even remotely legal. I bet if you reported him now they will be un-nailed by morning if the FD had to do it themselves. (Unless you are in a small town or something. Idiots in Tennessee let a house burn down yesterday over failure to pay $75 in taxes. A major city would fix this quickly. I hope there are no kids in the building. Then I would remove them myself. Not uncommon for people to open windows and throw their children out to someone. Sorry for the rant that just makes me sick. Report the POS.