renting w/o a fire escape, sprinklers or roof access- legal?

The fastest way to find out is go to the local FDNY station. The local engine company is in charge of inspecting fire escapes for rust etc. and if they're not to busy will be happy to shoot the shit.

Subject: Re: renting w/o a fire escape, sprinklers or roof access- le

stacey wrote:
I own a two family and we do not have sprinklers nor do we have a fire escape. I purchased something similar to this for my tenants:
http://www.fireescapesystems.com/products.asp
I suggest you either invest in one or ask the landlord to purchase one for you.

Those are good. I even got one for my ex wife. She lives on the fifth floor.

Subject: Re: renting w/o a fire escape, sprinklers or roof access- le

hjd wrote: i tried searching for this info on google and even here, under building code, but i can't seem to find whether this is legal or not. any insight would be appreciated!

did you call 311? that would seem like a logical first step...

It was the best investment I made. I think its good to have one even if you have a fire escape because in some of the older buildings the last ladder that gets you to the ground is sometimes stuck or rusted on the hinges.

Subject: Re: renting w/o a fire escape, sprinklers or roof access- le

stacey wrote: [quote=hjd]i'm a renter in a 2-family building and am worried about the fact that 3 people and I occupy the top, 2nd floor in a building that doesn't have a fire escape, sprinklers, only 1 egress, and the roof hatch is nailed closed. i tried searching for this info on google and even here, under building code, but i can't seem to find whether this is legal or not. any insight would be appreciated!
i should mention that everytime i mention this to the landlord and the management company, they're dismissive about it, saying that it's not required in 2 family dwellings.
So are we expected to just jump out the windows, if there's a fire?

A two family home is not under the jurisdiction of the Building Dept. because a two family home is not considered a multiple dwelling.

I own a two family and we do not have sprinklers nor do we have a fire escape. I purchased something similar to this for my tenants:
http://www.fireescapesystems.com/products.asp
I suggest you either invest in one or ask the landlord to purchase one for you.
I don't think that a roof hatch should be nailed shut but I am not sure if that is a violation of any kind on a two family house. Modsquad's suggestion of talking to the Fire Department may give you more info on this though.

Stacey is right (of course) -- I live in that style building too. I don't think an accessible roof hatch is code on these short buildings, but let us know what you find out.
A great info source is the boards at tenant.net
http://www.tenant.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=7446&sid=263b6f7cfab9f30ae20a31d9437c3100
but you already have your practical answer with the window-ledge hook rope ladder
(to store under the bed and toss out the window in an emergency.)