Subscriber Discussion

Customer Cancels Fire Alarm Monitor, Do I Have To Inform AHJ?

DM
David Matyas
Jun 29, 2018

I have a residential customer that has a house that is large enough to require a monitored fire alarm. They signed the contract paperwork 4 months ago in order to get their CO. They have now called us saying they are discontinuing monitoring services (not just switching). Do I have a responsibility to info the AHJ?

 

Thank you

Avatar
Daniel S-T
Jun 29, 2018

I suppose it couldn't hurt to try and hypothetically ask the AHJ. If they are supposed to have a monitoring fire system, I would be under the belief it's their (customers) responsibility to continue to monitor the system. Meaning like don't cancel your monitoring.

They could have just switched and don't want to tell you, or they could be trying to save some money and think they won't get caught.

(1)
Avatar
Geoffrey Leader
Jul 02, 2018

They could have just switched and don't want to tell you,

The wife did this with our trash company.  It was small family run business that always did a great job we just wanted to be able to also recycle and they had no offering.  A new local family started up offering both at a good rate so we switched.  She "didn't want to tell them someone was same price and had better service so I said we were moving."

(1)
UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
Jun 29, 2018

Just curious to know what fire monitoring rates go for retail? Is it as cutthroat as burglar?

 

We are looking at getting into fire but are looking for a qualified individual to help develop that part of the business.

Avatar
Daniel S-T
Jul 03, 2018

The company I started with didn't seem to have different rates for residential versus commercial. The only difference with Fire is we tried to do most of our monitoring to ULC Standards (Canada), which requires metallic protection, two different forms of communication, so that brought rates up a bit, mostly because of the cellular communicator. Base was like I don't know, $21 I think, and then $7 for the cellular communicator?

That company at the time, and I guess it still holds true, not the highest in town, but no the lowest either.

(1)
Avatar
Mark Jones
Jul 03, 2018

Ask the AHJ. If he says yes, send them well-worded letter.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
Jul 03, 2018

No legal advice here, but I would get a written notice of cancellation from the client and forward a copy to the AHJ.  Keep a copy.

What happens in 6 months if the site burns  and you didn’t respond?  Is your gear still there and programmed?  Did you get a signal but ignored it?  Just because they stopped paying the bill doesn’t mean they cancelled.

Explain that to the insurance company, fire department and District Attorney.

But hey, that’s just me.  

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Jul 03, 2018

End user compliance is NOT the installer/alarm co/integrator's responsibility. In an age where everyone has the internet in their pocket and can damage your reputation and credibility without any evidence, due process, or even a legitimate grievance, tread very carefully when choosing to "snitch" on a customer.

(1)
(1)
UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
Jul 03, 2018

Well, that’s certainly an option and possibility. I don’t consider it snitching if my car insurance or home owners lapses and the bank is notified.  I really think it’s more my fault!

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #4
Jul 03, 2018

Apples to oranges. The bank has a direct interest in your insurance probably because it's a condition of the loan, and the insurance company will know that and have that obligation.

However if you went to the dealership for work and you drove off the lot with expired insurance, are they likely to call the police on you? Doubtful as that's not their concern and the potential problems likely to arise outweigh the positives (which really, are close to zero).

Simply ask yourself, what benefit do you gain from notifying the AHJ? If you have what you feel is a good answer, then do so. Hope it all works out.

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #3
Jul 03, 2018

I agree that if the reason is just sour grapes, that’s a bad reason. 

If you haven’t sat in depositions, try that sometime.  It’s best to avoid them. 

New discussion

Ask questions and get answers to your physical security questions from IPVM team members and fellow subscribers.

Newest discussions