7 Questions Property Managers Should Ask Before Signing a Fire Service Agreement
Updated 2026-11-12 · Reviewed by the Fire Solutions NW service team (28+ years in commercial fire protection)
A service agreement commits your buildings to one contractor for a year or more. These seven questions get past the sales pitch and show how the work will actually be delivered.
1. Who will actually be on site?
Ask whether your buildings will be serviced by the contractor’s own technicians or by subcontractors, and what training or certification those technicians hold for each system type.
2. What does a finished report look like?
Request a sample report. It should identify each system, what was inspected or tested, results, and deficiencies in plain language, so you can act on it and share it with your AHJ or insurer.
3. How are deficiencies prioritized?
NFPA 25 distinguishes impairments, critical deficiencies, and non-critical deficiencies. Ask how the contractor labels urgency and how quickly they quote corrections.
4. What happens if a system is impaired?
Ask how the contractor notifies you when a system is taken out of service or found impaired, and whether they help coordinate fire watch or AHJ notification when required.
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Request a Portfolio Service Proposal →5. How is pricing structured for repairs?
Know the labor rates, trip charges, and parts markup before you need them. Ask whether minor repairs can be completed during the inspection visit with your approval.
6. Can scheduling match our operations?
Confirm the contractor can work around tenant hours, healthcare or food service operations, and access restrictions across all of your properties.
7. How do we exit the agreement?
Read the renewal and termination clauses before signing. Know the notice period and whether there are any fees to end the agreement early.
Good answers to these questions matter more than a small price difference — they determine whether your buildings stay compliant between visits.
References
- NFPA 25 — Chapter 3 definitions of impairment and critical / non-critical deficiency
- NFPA 72 — Chapter 14, Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
General information only. Your adopted code edition and Authority Having Jurisdiction govern what applies to your building.
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