Notice Date: April 2023
The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) considers any apartments or buildings the university leases to house students to fall under the jurisdiction of the SFMO, the university’s fire marshal’s office, or the Environmental Health and Safety Office for inspection purposes. This includes apartments where the university pays students’ rent. (Government Code 417.0082)
Lease agreements
SFMO encourages lease agreements with businesses to include language that says:
- Management and ownership acknowledge the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) as the authority having jurisdiction for the business when the agreement is signed.
- Management and ownership agree to abide by adopted standards of SFMO.
- The leasing university can terminate the lease if the building isn’t code compliant.
Questions
For questions or more information, email FireInspection@tdi.texas.gov.