Prevention and Maintenance of Apartment Buildings

• Ensure fire safety equipment in common areas is functioning
• See to regular maintenance indoors and outdoors
• Make sure the property has good insurance coverage
• Install burglary prevention measures and increase lighting
• Keep electrical installations in good order
• Inform residents about shared responsibility and safety matters

• Smoke detectors should be in all rooms of apartments, in stairwells, and in the common areas of residential buildings.
• Test smoke detectors regularly by pressing the test button.
• Replace the battery if no sound is heard when the test button is pressed.
• A 6 kg fire extinguisher should be wall-mounted and located along the escape route in every home.
• A fire blanket should be easily accessible in the kitchen.
• A gas detector is required wherever gas is used or stored, mounted low on the wall.
• Create an evacuation plan, designate an assembly point, and ensure two escape routes from every apartment.

• Always lock exterior doors and windows.
• Let your neighbors know if you are going on vacation and ask them to keep an eye out.
• Make sure keys to the property don’t circulate too widely.
• Be careful not to let strangers into the common areas.
• Keep valuables indoors and lock bicycles.
• Good lighting, locked common areas, and neighborhood watch reduce the likelihood of break-ins.

• All residents should know where to shut off the water.
• Label the mains/shutoff valves and ensure good access.
• Watch for leaks from radiators, appliances, and pipes.
• Clean drains regularly, both outdoors and indoors.
• Use water-leak sensors in the laundry room and kitchen to minimize leak damage.

• Plan prevention measures and insurance matters annually at the homeowners’ meeting.
• Inform residents about insurance, claims reporting procedures, and prevention measures.
• Damage in one apartment can affect others—all residents share joint responsibility.
• Keep stairwells and common areas tidy so that escape routes are accessible and safe if a fire breaks out.
• Items may not be stored in stairwells or common areas—such as car tires and other things—that can create a hazard if a fire breaks out in the building.

Further Information

See more information about fire safety, water damage, and burglary prevention at sjova.is, or contact our advisors via web chat, send an email to sjova@sjova.is, or call +354 440 2000 if you would like further advice or assistance with prevention measures.