Fire Safety - Sprinkler Retrofits: Policy Issue
Overview
Fire codes are an integral part of protecting human life and property through fire prevention and mitigation. In support of this goal, the National Apartment Association (NAA) is committed to promoting fire safety in apartments across the nation, such as through dedicated fire safety education in our Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT) credential program.
When lawmakers look at amending or adopting fire codes, it is necessary to ensure that these regulations are practical, effective and do not result in negative unintended consequences.
Lawmakers have proposed that sprinkler systems, one of many fire safety measures, must be retrofitted in older buildings. While the installation of sprinklers in new construction can be done in a cost-effective and straightforward manner, apartment owners face complex and expensive challenges when retrofitting an existing building with these systems.
Based on National Fire Sprinkler Association estimates: retrofitting a 3-story low-rise built in 2008 costs $541,362, resulting in a cost of $13,881 per unit. These costs only increase for larger and older buildings. This monumental expense causes older apartments to become more expensive, reducing the supply of the nation’s largest stock of naturally occurring affordable housing.
Industry Position
Sprinkler Retrofit Mandates
The National Apartment Association (NAA) opposes unfunded mandates that ultimately increase operational costs and reduce the supply of affordable housing. Policymakers should instead seek to preserve affordability by reexamining their codes and providing incentives and funding for health and safety-related retrofits.
As an Owner or Operator, How Does this Affect My Business?
Sprinkler retrofit mandates are incredibly expensive for owner-operators. The high cost is primarily due to labor-intensive and complex installation. The cost is further increased by needing to take necessary precautions to identify and potentially remediate disturbed lead-based paint and asbestos. The industry opposes mandating sprinkler retrofits as they increase rents and depress the supply of affordable housing.
Contact Information
To learn more about this issue, please contact NAA's Public Policy team.