Framingham, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 312 § 312-13
Approved fire escape (Framingham Lodging Houses)
Operative Text
No obstruction shall be permitted in the path of egress to a fire escape. Fire escapes are to be used for emergency purposes only. Use of fire escapes for general access to rooms is strictly prohibited.
Framingham, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 312 § 312-13 establishes that fire escapes must remain clear and unobstructed at all times, and that they are reserved exclusively for emergency use. Routine or everyday use of fire escapes as a means of entering or exiting rooms is expressly forbidden. The rule applies to any person who might otherwise treat a fire escape as a general passageway.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 312 § 312-13, compliant property operators in Framingham routinely inspect fire escape paths to ensure no objects, furniture, or debris block egress routes. Operators also post or communicate clear policies to occupants that fire escapes are for emergency use only and may not be used for everyday access. Maintaining documentation of these inspections and tenant communications is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 312 § 312-13 protects tenants by requiring that fire escape paths remain unobstructed and available for emergency egress at all times. If a tenant observes that a fire escape is blocked or being misused in a way that could compromise safety, general enforcement paths include reporting the condition to the local Framingham building or fire department. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options are available when a fire escape concern goes unaddressed.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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