KITCHEN LAUDS COMMITTEE APPROVAL OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER ACT

          HARRISBURG, September 26 - State Sen. Shirley Kitchen (D-Phila.) today applauded the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee for unanimously approving her legislation requiring fire extinguishers in rental properties.

          “Fire extinguishers are an essential appliance in every residence, whether permanent or rental,” Kitchen said.  “By allowing the purchase price be subtracted from a month’s rent, we are hoping to encourage more people to acquire fire extinguishers.”

          Kitchen’s legislation, Senate Bill 858, would require that rental residences have portable fire extinguishers.  Exemptions would be made for buildings with sprinkler systems, owner-occupied residences, and seasonal residences.

          To further encourage the acquisition of the portable fire extinguishers, tenants may buy them and deduct the cost from their rent if a receipt is provided. However, a landlord can deduct the cost of the extinguisher from the tenant’s security deposit if it has been discharged or removed from the residence.

          “Having a fire extinguisher on hand can mean the difference between life and death,” Kitchen said. “The minimal cost to landlords will be more than offset by the saving of lives and property.”