Who is responsible for the protection of common exhaust ducts used by more than one tenant?

The responsibility for the protection of common exhaust ducts that are used by more than one tenant lies with the building owner or the owner's agent. This is primarily due to the fact that common systems, such as exhaust ducts, are integral to the overall safety and functionality of the building as a whole. The owner or their agent has the authority and obligation to ensure that these shared facilities meet the required codes and standards, including those outlined in NFPA 17.

By overseeing the maintenance and compliance of these common ducts, the building owner or agent helps to prevent potential hazards that could affect multiple tenants. They are responsible for implementing safety measures, performing inspections, and ensuring that the exhaust systems are maintained in accordance with fire safety regulations. This collective responsibility fosters a safer environment for all occupants and mitigates the risk of fire hazards that could arise from improperly maintained ducts.

In contrast, individual tenants typically have control over their specific cooking equipment and associated ventilation but lack authority over shared systems. Therefore, singular responsibility does not rest on tenants, the local fire department, or equipment manufacturers when it comes to common exhaust ducts used by multiple tenants; rather, it is a collective obligation that falls on the building ownership.