Breaker Box Access Question

[Emayekayee]

I am new here, apologies if there is an answer elsewhere.

I am a tenant in WA state and reside in a large house that was converted into a three unit apartment dwelling sometime in the past.

In it's current configuration, the breaker box for my unit is located in the lower floor of my neighbor's unit. We have swapped keys with our neighbors and have an understanding that we could access the breaker if we needed to when they were not home.

This doesn't seem like a great arrangement as one day we may have new neighbors that are not willing to reciprocate, or any number of complications with the scenario.
What are the legalities of this regarding building codes? Does my landlord (and building owner) have any obligation to make alterations? Any other considerations that haven't even come to me? I am not an expert in the field, and have been doing searches on this topic for weeks with no real firm answers.

Thanks.

 

[Emayekayee]

Further, I am aware of NEC 240.24 (B). Am I correct in understanding that that building would only need to be "brought up to code" if significant renovations were performed?

 

[GoldDigger]

I am provisionally approving this post since it is posing a DIY question.

As a general rule existing installations are not required to be updated simply because the NEC changes. Some safety related codes explicitly require retrofitting, as is the case for smoke and CO detectors.
In the case of an apartment conversion, I think the code in effect at the time of the conversion would apply. But if there was a code violation at that time that was ignored I am not sure what might be done now to trigger enforcement.

 

[romex jockey]

good reason to keep older code books i guess.....~RJ~

 

[hbiss]

am a tenant in WA state and reside in a large house that was converted into a three unit apartment dwelling sometime in the past.

I think the first thing to do is find out when the conversion was done and look at the code then in effect.

-Hal

 

[LarryFine]

Here, building codes require all brought up to current codes when 50% or more of sq. footage is renovated.

 

[Buck Parrish]

230 . 72 (C) Requires occupants to have access. That's for the main breaker. Their are some exemptions such as if their is a maintenance person on contiuous duty

 

[Dell3c]

I'm going back 15yrs in code. (2005) Exception No. 1.. (in short terms)..If the bottom apartment (where your disconnecting means is located). If property was under "continuous building management supervision" and electrical maintenance are provided by building management.

So..

During time of alterations to property, did the property owner reside there on the property, or maybe having someone on their payroll, living in the bottom dwelling?