Self closing door NYC law FLYER (pdf file)

Apartment doors and hallway doors are required by law to swing closed and latch by themselves after being opened (self-closing) so that in the case of a fire no one needs to remember to close the door to trap the fire and smoke and stop it from spreading. Doors that stay open allow fire and smoke to spread to hallways and other apartments! Self-closing doors should never be blocked from closing all the way.

Property owners and tenants can prevent a fire from spreading by making sure apartment and public hallway doors are operating properly.

How to Make Sure Self-Closing Doors Are Operating Properly

Test it! Unless a door is visibly damaged, you will not know if it is operating properly until you test it.

1. Does the door swing fully shut and close completely after being opened fully?
2. If there is a latch, does it engage?
3. Note any underlying condition or obstruction that prevents the self-closing door from operating properly:
• Door needs refitting – there is a large gap at the bottom of the apartment door
• Defective closing mechanism
• Device or item holding, or capable of holding, the door open
4. Is there any damage to the self-closing mechanism?
5. Are the hinges intact, or are they loose or missing?

When testing a door with an overhead closer, open the door as far as possible to check for any hold-open mechanism.

Property owners should check self-closing doors periodically and must make prompt repairs to door closing mechanisms or defective doors and door frames.

Learn more about your self-closing door responsibiltiies as a property owner

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DISCLAIMER These codes and forms may not be the most recent version. The State / federal or other regulation department may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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For more information about what is required, see the laws that are referenced and the rules applicable to your city and state. This page is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, professional advice or a statement of law. You may wish to consult with an attorney.

DISCLAIMER to comply with the New York City Consumer Protection Law which applies to all businesses operating in New York City: We are small family-owned and family-operated Brooklyn-based business. We are not a City of New York store nor are the website, products or services affiliated with the City of New York or any agency of the City of New York. We ourselves, our business, websites, products, services, or any hyperlinks from its website are not sponsored by, approved by, affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the City of New York or any agency of the City of New York, including but not limited to HPD, DOB, DOT, DSNY, FDNY and federal directly or by implication.

DISCLAIMER These codes and forms may not be the most recent version. The State / federal or other regulation department may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

The requirements for sign / forms content are determined by intended use and by applicable regulation. The BUYER is responsible for determining the appropriate content for a sign or package of signs.  WE makes no warranty or representation of suitability of a sign for any specific application. IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE SIGNS / Forms THE CUSTOMER ORDERS ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL STATE, FEDERAL, LOCAL, AND MUNICIPAL LAWS. Please review terms and conditions prior to purchase. 

For more information about what is required, see the laws that are referenced and the rules applicable to your city and state. This page is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice, professional advice or a statement of law. You may wish to consult with an attorney.