2nd exit Is it required in two family in Bayonne, NJ

[Raj G.]

Hi I live in a multifamily(two unit) home, basement(on ground/street level or little bit higher), then first floor and then 2nd floor. I live in first floor. I have 2nd unit for rental.

there are two set of stairs one main from outside and 2nd inside.

Inside one stairs connect both first and 2nd floor and then goes to basement and we can exit via basement . basement has 3 exits one through garage , other two side way and 3 rd to back yard.

Basement and backyard are not part of rental, we are not giving access to backyard or basement to renter.

So, just wondering can we temporary close by putting lock on the inside stairs for tenants.

Is it any legal issue with that.

[Colleen F.]

If you are locking one of two exits there is probably an issue with that. Check with the fire department.  Our NJ 2- family needed two exits but that could have been the town or could be the height of the second story.  That was true even years ago when I was a kid.  you don't have to let them go through the basement of garage, they just need to be able to get out two different exits.  Although unlikely you dont' want to be wrong in case there is a fire.