With Thanksgiving fast approaching, thoughts turn to turkey, dressing and pumpkin pie. Delicious deep-fried turkey, historically prevalent in the southern states, is growing in popularity around the country thanks to celebrity chefs such as Emeril Lagasse. The only problem is that the turkey fryers used to create this succulent dish are unsafe and not certified by Underwriters Laboratory.
Turkey fryers are devices, resembling a large commercial coffee pot, that are filled with oil heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Turkeys are placed in this hot oil to fry the birds. The big problem, though, is that people often fill the fryers too full of oil, and it overflows when the bird is placed inside. This cascading oil hits the heating flames below, causing an instant fire. In addition, the turkey fryers are often quite unstable and easy to tip over. Lastly, many of these fryers lack adequate thermostat controls. Thus, the units have the potential to overheat the oil to the point of combustion. For these reasons, UL does not certify any turkey fryers with its trusted UL mark.
UL and other safety organizations strongly urge people to discard their existing turkey fryers. But for those people who insist on using their turkey fryers, UL offers the following tips:
• Always use turkey fryers outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other burnable materials.
• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.
• Make sure the fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce the chance of accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended since most units lack proper thermostat controls. If people do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer when in use. Even after use, never allow children or pets close to the turkey fryer. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot for hours after use.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer. Test it beforehand with water.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect eyes from oil splatter.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
Copyright 2010
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Verify Your "Other Structures" Are Properly Covered
Your homeowners policy covers "other structures" that are either (a) separated by a clear and distinct space from your dwelling or (b) connected to the dwelling by a fence, wall, wire, or similar type of connection. The limit of insurance for other structures is typically 10 percent of your dwelling limit. Sometimes, however, this limit may be quite inadequate, creating unwanted coverage gaps. For example, residences with detached guest houses, storage units, swimming pools, expensive fences, and gazebos may be vastly underinsured for these other structures. Thus, consider the following tips if you find yourself in that situation.
An other structures on the residence premises (HO 04 48) or similar endorsement can be selected to increase the limits for these structures.
A replacement cost loss settlement for certain non-building structures on the resident premises (HO 04 43) or similar endorsement can provide replacement cost protection for items such as reinforced-masonry walls, metal or fiberglass fences, patios and walks, and driveways. The attachment of this endorsement can often add 30 percent or more to your settlement for your damaged property.
If you own, rent, or lease "other structures" located away from your main premises, consider an endorsement adding property coverage to these off-site structures such as the coverage B—other structures away from the residence premises (HO 04 91) endorsement or the specific structures away from the residence premises (HO 04 92) endorsement.
Sometimes it is not readily apparent whether certain "other structures" are on or off premises. For example, if your "other structure" is a boat dock on a lake, be aware that it may actually be "off premises" since most lakeshores are technically owned by the Army Corp of Engineers.
Copyright 2012
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
An other structures on the residence premises (HO 04 48) or similar endorsement can be selected to increase the limits for these structures.
A replacement cost loss settlement for certain non-building structures on the resident premises (HO 04 43) or similar endorsement can provide replacement cost protection for items such as reinforced-masonry walls, metal or fiberglass fences, patios and walks, and driveways. The attachment of this endorsement can often add 30 percent or more to your settlement for your damaged property.
If you own, rent, or lease "other structures" located away from your main premises, consider an endorsement adding property coverage to these off-site structures such as the coverage B—other structures away from the residence premises (HO 04 91) endorsement or the specific structures away from the residence premises (HO 04 92) endorsement.
Sometimes it is not readily apparent whether certain "other structures" are on or off premises. For example, if your "other structure" is a boat dock on a lake, be aware that it may actually be "off premises" since most lakeshores are technically owned by the Army Corp of Engineers.
Copyright 2012
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Flood damage: are you covered?
Is my home insured for damage that may result from flooding caused by a hurricane or other storm?
Not necessarily. Generally, coverage provided by a standard home or business policy does not include damage caused by flooding or mudslides. It is important to note this type of damage could be extremely destructive to your property and without insurance you could be devastated financially.
How can I get insurance coverage so I’m protected for flood damage from a natural disaster?
First, contact our agency. We have access to comprehensive information and we can help you determine if you need flood insurance. Th roughout the United States, more than 20,000 communities participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, which offers flood insurance. An NFIP policy typically includes coverage for: removing contents; sand bagging (to reduce damage); repairing flood damage and rebuilding; clearing away debris and mud; and compensating for personal belongings and business inventories.
How much protection can I get?
You can obtain flood coverage up to $250,000 on your home, $100,000 on its contents and $500,000 for businesses.
Is flood insurance really necessary?
That is a question you should discuss with our agency. However, you should know that lending institutions may require flood insurance as a condition of securing a mortgage, home improvement loan, home equity loan, commercial loan, etc. Flood insurance also is a prerequisite for receiving federal disaster assistance when property is located in a special hazard area. It is important to note that not only high-risk areas are prone to flooding. Flooding can occur anytime and anywhere. One-quarter of NFIP claims come from outside high-risk flood areas.
Can I buy flood insurance at any time?
Yes, but in most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period between the time flood insurance is purchased and the time coverage is in force.
Flood facts
On the eastern coast of the United States, flooding occurs mainly during hurricane season, which runs primarily from June through October. Hurricanes affect coastal and inland areas. These areas can be inundated by torrential rains that result in widespread flooding. The FEMA estimates that 75 percent of households located in federally designated special flood hazard areas carry no flood insurance.
Your Professional Insurance Agent …We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.
107712 CM 9/11 QS90245
Lawley Genesee LLC
http://lawleygenesee.com/
Not necessarily. Generally, coverage provided by a standard home or business policy does not include damage caused by flooding or mudslides. It is important to note this type of damage could be extremely destructive to your property and without insurance you could be devastated financially.
How can I get insurance coverage so I’m protected for flood damage from a natural disaster?
First, contact our agency. We have access to comprehensive information and we can help you determine if you need flood insurance. Th roughout the United States, more than 20,000 communities participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program, which offers flood insurance. An NFIP policy typically includes coverage for: removing contents; sand bagging (to reduce damage); repairing flood damage and rebuilding; clearing away debris and mud; and compensating for personal belongings and business inventories.
How much protection can I get?
You can obtain flood coverage up to $250,000 on your home, $100,000 on its contents and $500,000 for businesses.
Is flood insurance really necessary?
That is a question you should discuss with our agency. However, you should know that lending institutions may require flood insurance as a condition of securing a mortgage, home improvement loan, home equity loan, commercial loan, etc. Flood insurance also is a prerequisite for receiving federal disaster assistance when property is located in a special hazard area. It is important to note that not only high-risk areas are prone to flooding. Flooding can occur anytime and anywhere. One-quarter of NFIP claims come from outside high-risk flood areas.
Can I buy flood insurance at any time?
Yes, but in most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period between the time flood insurance is purchased and the time coverage is in force.
How can I prepare for a catastrophe such as flooding?
Along with obtaining flood insurance protection, you should heed storm warnings and follow evacuation procedures such as boarding up windows and storing outside items inside; shutting off utilities; and preparing an emergency kit that contains food and water, a portable can opener, clothing, blankets, flashlights, first-aid supplies and a battery-operated radio. Also, maintain a current household or business inventory of your property and possessions and keep it in a safe place such as a safe-deposit box. An up-to-date inventory will prove useful when fi ling your insurance claim.
Flood facts
On the eastern coast of the United States, flooding occurs mainly during hurricane season, which runs primarily from June through October. Hurricanes affect coastal and inland areas. These areas can be inundated by torrential rains that result in widespread flooding. The FEMA estimates that 75 percent of households located in federally designated special flood hazard areas carry no flood insurance.
Your Professional Insurance Agent …We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.
107712 CM 9/11 QS90245
Lawley Genesee LLC
http://lawleygenesee.com/
Monday, April 2, 2012
New York's No Fault Law and Motorcycles
What is the New York No-fault law?
The New York Comprehensive Automobile Insurance Reparations Act (also known as the no-fault law) took effect Feb. 1, 1974. Legislators wanted to ensure that persons injured in a vehicle accident would receive prompt and suffi cient medical treatment and income replacement without the burden of litigation. Prior to no-fault, only 14 percent of the liability premiums in the state reimbursed accident victims for their economic loss, and the average time to collect was 16 months.
The no-fault law provides a generous package of personal injury protection benefi ts and finances it with the removal of excessive pain and suffering damages, wasted litigation expenses and redundant benefits payable under other social programs (for example, workers’ compensation and Social Security). As a result, covered persons injured in a vehicle accident give up some of their rights to sue for noneconomic (e.g.,pain and suffering) damages in exchange for guaranteed benefi ts that are paid promptly regardless of fault. However, if the injury is severe enough to reach a “verbal threshold,” which is a list of nine injury types, an injured person may then pursue noneconomic damages.
Does this New York no-fault law apply to motorcycles?
Yes, PIP coverage is required for motorcycles, but it applies only to injured pedestrians. Occupants of a motorcycle are not eligible to receive PIP benefits, but, on the other hand, they retain all their rights to sue for noneconomic damages.
What are Personal Injury Protection benefits?
PIP benefi ts emerge from the legislators’ promise of Basic Economic Loss for eligible injured persons, which consist of the following four types of compensation. The first three shown below are subject to a combined limit of $50,000, while the limit of the fourth is in addition to the $50,000 limit.
1. All eligible medical expenses incurred without time limitation.
2. Income loss payments up to $2,000 per month for no more than three years.
3. Other expenses incurred (e.g., housekeeping or transportation) up to $25 per day for not more than one year.
4. Death benefi t of $2,000 payable to the covered person’s estate.
Keep in mind that, while eligible injured persons are guaranteed this Basic Economic Loss, it may not all be payable as PIP benefits. Th ere could be other sources, such as workers’ compensation, state disability or Social Security benefits, which may contribute with your motorcycle insurance to help compensate the injured person for Basic Economic Loss.
What are Optional Basic Economic Loss benefits?
Optional Basic Economic Loss (OBEL) adds an additional $25,000 to the $50,000 Basic Economic Loss for a total of $75,000, but with a twist. Instead of this amount being paid to the party who fi rst demands it (e.g., the hospital), the covered person can decide who gets access to it first. You may want the $25,000 to go toward the payment of income loss, or you may want to use it for psychiatric, physical or occupational therapy and rehabilitation.
Must my insurance company offer OBEL coverage?
Insurance companies are required to make available OBEL coverage to all motorcycle owners who apply for a policy. However, this off er may be misleading because OBEL benefits will be paid only to pedestrians and not to an operator, or occupants, of the motorcycle. One must ask why an applicant would pay additional premium for coverage that would only benefit pedestrians. In most cases, if the extent of this coverage were understood, the applicant would decline it.
Are there any other PIP options available for motorcycles?
There are none required by law and most, if not all, insurance companies do not voluntarily offer other options.
This information is provided as a general summary of the no-fault law and PIP coverage. Please consult the actual law and your policy for specific details that may be applicable to your situation.
PIA Your Professional Insurance Agent …We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.
PIA Publication 106603 1/12 QS31375
The New York Comprehensive Automobile Insurance Reparations Act (also known as the no-fault law) took effect Feb. 1, 1974. Legislators wanted to ensure that persons injured in a vehicle accident would receive prompt and suffi cient medical treatment and income replacement without the burden of litigation. Prior to no-fault, only 14 percent of the liability premiums in the state reimbursed accident victims for their economic loss, and the average time to collect was 16 months.
The no-fault law provides a generous package of personal injury protection benefi ts and finances it with the removal of excessive pain and suffering damages, wasted litigation expenses and redundant benefits payable under other social programs (for example, workers’ compensation and Social Security). As a result, covered persons injured in a vehicle accident give up some of their rights to sue for noneconomic (e.g.,pain and suffering) damages in exchange for guaranteed benefi ts that are paid promptly regardless of fault. However, if the injury is severe enough to reach a “verbal threshold,” which is a list of nine injury types, an injured person may then pursue noneconomic damages.
Does this New York no-fault law apply to motorcycles?
Yes, PIP coverage is required for motorcycles, but it applies only to injured pedestrians. Occupants of a motorcycle are not eligible to receive PIP benefits, but, on the other hand, they retain all their rights to sue for noneconomic damages.
What are Personal Injury Protection benefits?
PIP benefi ts emerge from the legislators’ promise of Basic Economic Loss for eligible injured persons, which consist of the following four types of compensation. The first three shown below are subject to a combined limit of $50,000, while the limit of the fourth is in addition to the $50,000 limit.
1. All eligible medical expenses incurred without time limitation.
2. Income loss payments up to $2,000 per month for no more than three years.
3. Other expenses incurred (e.g., housekeeping or transportation) up to $25 per day for not more than one year.
4. Death benefi t of $2,000 payable to the covered person’s estate.
Keep in mind that, while eligible injured persons are guaranteed this Basic Economic Loss, it may not all be payable as PIP benefits. Th ere could be other sources, such as workers’ compensation, state disability or Social Security benefits, which may contribute with your motorcycle insurance to help compensate the injured person for Basic Economic Loss.
What are Optional Basic Economic Loss benefits?
Optional Basic Economic Loss (OBEL) adds an additional $25,000 to the $50,000 Basic Economic Loss for a total of $75,000, but with a twist. Instead of this amount being paid to the party who fi rst demands it (e.g., the hospital), the covered person can decide who gets access to it first. You may want the $25,000 to go toward the payment of income loss, or you may want to use it for psychiatric, physical or occupational therapy and rehabilitation.
Must my insurance company offer OBEL coverage?
Insurance companies are required to make available OBEL coverage to all motorcycle owners who apply for a policy. However, this off er may be misleading because OBEL benefits will be paid only to pedestrians and not to an operator, or occupants, of the motorcycle. One must ask why an applicant would pay additional premium for coverage that would only benefit pedestrians. In most cases, if the extent of this coverage were understood, the applicant would decline it.
Are there any other PIP options available for motorcycles?
There are none required by law and most, if not all, insurance companies do not voluntarily offer other options.
This information is provided as a general summary of the no-fault law and PIP coverage. Please consult the actual law and your policy for specific details that may be applicable to your situation.
PIA Your Professional Insurance Agent …We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.
PIA Publication 106603 1/12 QS31375
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tax Fraud Using Children's IDs Is on the Rise
Many parents find out their kids are victims of identity theft when they file their tax returns. Learn how tax fraud can impact your children and how to protect your family.
Parents today are more vigilant than ever, cranking up home Internet controls to the highest, least permissive settings, restricting cell phone plans, and even monitoring their kids’ social media accounts.
Still, it’s hard to protect our children from all threats. Tax season serves as a reminder that tax-related identity theft can affect both parents and their kids. Indeed, the Identity Theft 911 fraud resolution center reported a tenfold increase in such cases in February 2012 compared with the previous month.
Shelly Waldman* of Michigan was stunned when she learned that her oldest daughter’s Social Security number had been stolen to commit tax fraud. Like other parents of children who are victims of this crime, Waldman faced two immediate challenges:
1. How to protect her child’s stolen identity.
2. How to get her tax refund.
“When my accountant told me, I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ ” Waldman recalled. “I was panic-stricken.”
Fortunately, Waldman received Identity Theft 911 LifeStages™ Management Services through her insurer. Her insurance company’s customer service representative immediately connected her to an Identity Theft 911 fraud investigator dedicated to handling her case until it was resolved.
Taking immediate action, the investigator:
• Conducted a complete interview to establish the timeline of events.
• Coordinated a joint call with Waldman to TransUnion to check credit files for family members included on her tax return. Minors don’t typically have credit files. If they do, it’s a strong sign their personal information has been used to open a new line of credit, and action must be taken.
• Warned potential creditors that Waldman and her husband may be victims of identity theft by placing an alert on their credit files.
Fraud investigator Mark Fullbright “has been fabulous, very calm, and reassuring,” Waldman said. “Now no one can open a credit card account or anything with [my daughter’s] information.”
Finally, Fullbright assured Waldman that IRS identity theft investigations normally take at least six months, and that, despite the headache, most victims end up with their rightful checks.
“My husband and I filed early this year as we always do,” Waldman said. “We were anticipating a huge refund. We count on that money.”
Fullbright will monitor the status of Waldman’s identity theft claim with the IRS to make sure she’s on track to receive her refund within the established timeline.
In the meantime, Waldman said she’s comforted to have Identity Theft 911’s services.
* Name has been changed to protect customer’s privacy.
© 2003-2012 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Parents today are more vigilant than ever, cranking up home Internet controls to the highest, least permissive settings, restricting cell phone plans, and even monitoring their kids’ social media accounts.
Still, it’s hard to protect our children from all threats. Tax season serves as a reminder that tax-related identity theft can affect both parents and their kids. Indeed, the Identity Theft 911 fraud resolution center reported a tenfold increase in such cases in February 2012 compared with the previous month.
Shelly Waldman* of Michigan was stunned when she learned that her oldest daughter’s Social Security number had been stolen to commit tax fraud. Like other parents of children who are victims of this crime, Waldman faced two immediate challenges:
1. How to protect her child’s stolen identity.
2. How to get her tax refund.
“When my accountant told me, I said, ‘Are you kidding me?’ ” Waldman recalled. “I was panic-stricken.”
Fortunately, Waldman received Identity Theft 911 LifeStages™ Management Services through her insurer. Her insurance company’s customer service representative immediately connected her to an Identity Theft 911 fraud investigator dedicated to handling her case until it was resolved.
Taking immediate action, the investigator:
• Conducted a complete interview to establish the timeline of events.
• Coordinated a joint call with Waldman to TransUnion to check credit files for family members included on her tax return. Minors don’t typically have credit files. If they do, it’s a strong sign their personal information has been used to open a new line of credit, and action must be taken.
• Warned potential creditors that Waldman and her husband may be victims of identity theft by placing an alert on their credit files.
Fraud investigator Mark Fullbright “has been fabulous, very calm, and reassuring,” Waldman said. “Now no one can open a credit card account or anything with [my daughter’s] information.”
Finally, Fullbright assured Waldman that IRS identity theft investigations normally take at least six months, and that, despite the headache, most victims end up with their rightful checks.
“My husband and I filed early this year as we always do,” Waldman said. “We were anticipating a huge refund. We count on that money.”
Fullbright will monitor the status of Waldman’s identity theft claim with the IRS to make sure she’s on track to receive her refund within the established timeline.
In the meantime, Waldman said she’s comforted to have Identity Theft 911’s services.
* Name has been changed to protect customer’s privacy.
© 2003-2012 Identity Theft 911, LLC. All Rights Reserved
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Save money by paying your premiums electronically.
The cost of paying for auto and home insurance from a paper bill continues to increase as insurance companies focus more on EFT or Electronic Funds Transfer payment plans.
In addition to paying higher installment fees for a paper versus electronic bill, sometimes as much as $8 per installment more, EFT allows premiums to be paid on a timely basis and helps avoid $15 to $25 in costly late fee assessments for payments arriving after the due date. When you calculate the savings for a person on a 10 monthly installment plan, the annual savings can range from $50 to well over well over $300.
EFT Payment Plans are becoming more and more popular and offer a great deal of flexibility. Most insurers offer automatic payments to be drawn from a checking or savings account. Some will even automatically charge a credit or debit card. Most of the time you can choose between monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payment plans with no or greatly reduced installment fees. Some will even let you choose the day the month your payment will be drawn.
Getting setup on EFT is easy and can be started at anytime during a policy term. All that is generally needed is a signature and a voided check.
Lawley Genesee
585-344-0300
http://www.lawleygenesee.com/
In addition to paying higher installment fees for a paper versus electronic bill, sometimes as much as $8 per installment more, EFT allows premiums to be paid on a timely basis and helps avoid $15 to $25 in costly late fee assessments for payments arriving after the due date. When you calculate the savings for a person on a 10 monthly installment plan, the annual savings can range from $50 to well over well over $300.
EFT Payment Plans are becoming more and more popular and offer a great deal of flexibility. Most insurers offer automatic payments to be drawn from a checking or savings account. Some will even automatically charge a credit or debit card. Most of the time you can choose between monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payment plans with no or greatly reduced installment fees. Some will even let you choose the day the month your payment will be drawn.
Getting setup on EFT is easy and can be started at anytime during a policy term. All that is generally needed is a signature and a voided check.
Lawley Genesee
585-344-0300
http://www.lawleygenesee.com/
Friday, January 13, 2012
Eliminate Your Ice Dams
An ice dam is an accumulation of frozen water in the gutter system and at the roof edge that prevents subsequent drainage of melting snow from leaving the roof/gutter system. Ice dams are common in areas that receive heavy snow buildups.
In most cases, ice dams begin inside the house, when heated air leaks up into the unheated attic. In the winter, the roof above the unheated attic is cold. When warm air leaks into the attic, it creates warm areas on the roof, which cause the snow on the exterior of the roof to melt. The melting snow moves down the roof slope until it reaches the cold overhang, where it refreezes. The process continues, causing ice to build up along the eaves and form a dam. Eventually, this dam forces the water to back up under the shingles and sometimes into the ceiling or wall inside the home. This phenomenon may cause structural framing members to decay, metal fasteners to corrode, and mold to form in the attic and the wall surfaces. Few homeowners policies pay for ice dam removal. Interior or exterior damage, however, caused by an ice dam on the roof is typically covered under a special perils homeowners form.
There are measures that home owners in colder climates can take to reduce the chance of ice dams, including the following.
In most cases, ice dams begin inside the house, when heated air leaks up into the unheated attic. In the winter, the roof above the unheated attic is cold. When warm air leaks into the attic, it creates warm areas on the roof, which cause the snow on the exterior of the roof to melt. The melting snow moves down the roof slope until it reaches the cold overhang, where it refreezes. The process continues, causing ice to build up along the eaves and form a dam. Eventually, this dam forces the water to back up under the shingles and sometimes into the ceiling or wall inside the home. This phenomenon may cause structural framing members to decay, metal fasteners to corrode, and mold to form in the attic and the wall surfaces. Few homeowners policies pay for ice dam removal. Interior or exterior damage, however, caused by an ice dam on the roof is typically covered under a special perils homeowners form.
There are measures that home owners in colder climates can take to reduce the chance of ice dams, including the following.
- The services of a professional should be employed to remove heavy snow from your roof. This eliminates one of the ingredients necessary for the formation of an ice dam. Professionals are also able to address emergency situations in which water is flowing into the house structure. This is accomplished by making channels through the ice dam to allow the water behind the dam to drain off your roof. However, the channel becomes ineffective within days and is only a temporary solution to ice dam damage.
- Your ceiling/roof insulation should be increased to reduce heat loss by conduction. Some state codes require an R-value of 38 above the ceiling for new homes. In narrow spaces, insulation products with high R-value (6–7) per inch are recommended. It is imperative that the ceiling be made airtight to prevent warm air within your home from flowing into the attic space.
- Verify that there are sufficient soffit and gable end vents in your attic. These help to quickly vent any of the warm air that does get into the attic out into the atmosphere.
Copyright 2012
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Landlord wins summary judgment due to lease provision
A landlord recently won a summary judgment in spite of tenant's claim she was not provided with working smoke detectors and other equipment in violation of code. Landlord produced a signed copy of lease that contained the following provision by which the tenant acknowledged the presence of working smoke detector/alarm:
"Tenant knows that the apartment being rented has a smoke alarm in proper working order and that it is the Tenant's responsibility to maintain the smoke alarm including replacing the battery when necessary and replacing the smoke alarm if it is stolen, removed, or broken during the Tenant's occupancy."
The court found no proximate cause between the other alleged statutory and regulatory violations and the fire or plaintiff's damages.
www.laweygenesee.com
"Tenant knows that the apartment being rented has a smoke alarm in proper working order and that it is the Tenant's responsibility to maintain the smoke alarm including replacing the battery when necessary and replacing the smoke alarm if it is stolen, removed, or broken during the Tenant's occupancy."
The court found no proximate cause between the other alleged statutory and regulatory violations and the fire or plaintiff's damages.
Specifying who is responsible for maintaining the smoke detectors and taking care of snow removal from exterior stairs and sidewalks should be specifically addressed in a lease. We highly recommend all landlords have their attorney review their lease agreements to make sure it provides the proper protection.
www.laweygenesee.com
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