KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE You can read all of our articles on our website. Having trouble getting our emails? Change your spam controls and whitelist ken@kirschenbaumesq.com ****************************** revealing codes and programming when terminating fire alarm customer December 3, 2025 ************************ code issues when terminating fire alarm customer *************************** Ken, We are parting ways with a customer that we've been providing fire alarm service for several years and they're asking for the programming codes to the systems. Another company has been tampering with the system. We have one Edwards system installed - no issues here; we can't give up anything per the manufacturer contract and never do. The other buildings have obsolete Bosch fire alarm panels, installed by others, and the programming codes were provided by the customer; but i have several concerns: - We've started noticing issues with the panels in the past year with several of the Bosch systems; things like the elevator recall is "all of a sudden" malfunctioning. Our concern is this other company has gotten into the panels and made changes, or the systems are starting to fail. - We don't want to get blamed, or held liable due to any accusation from this new provider. - This new company is NOT a Bosch dealer. My thought was to get the customer to sign a document releasing us from all past, present, and future liability related to the fire alarm systems - or just not hand over the codes. Looking for some guidance. name withheld ********************** Response ********************** They dont get codes; you can terminate them because they allowed another company to tamper with the systems. But I don't know what contract you have with the customer so this advice is subject to specific contract terms that dictate different handling. I am sure you cant give up Edwards info and probably Bosch either. it's not clear what contractual obligations you have with this customer or if you've been paid in advance. Before deciding whether to terminate service you do need to consider the contract terms and with fire you probably need to contact the Fire Marshal before terminating monitoring. The Standard Form Fire All in One is clear that programming belongs to you; you only reveal codes if the customer has complied with all your contract terms, and then you can default to manufacturer code or give the code; you still don't give the programming. If the customer is under contract with the Fire All in One you can consider turning it over for collection to K&K Collection Department or walking away, though you will want to terminate in accordance with the contract terms. Others tampering with the system is one sufficient ground. ************************** STANDARD FORM AGREEMENTS: To order up to date Standard Form Alarm / Security / Fire and related Agreements click here: www.alarmcontracts.com *************************** CONCIERGE LAWYER SERVICE PROGRAM FOR THE ALARM INDUSTRY - You can check out the program and sign up here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/concierge or contact our Program Coordinator Stacy Spector, Esq at 516 747 6700 x 304. *********************** WEBINARS: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-webinars *********************** ALARM ARTICLES: You can always read our Articles on our website at www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-articles updated daily ******************** Wondering how much your alarm company is worth? Click here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/what-is-my-alarm-company-worth *********************** THE ALARM EXCHANGE - the alarm industries leading classified and business exchange - updated daily ************************* PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ken-kirschenbaum-presents/id1794851477 ************************* Getting on our email list / Articles archived: Many of you are forwarding these emails to friends or asking that others be added to the list. Sign up for our daily newsletter here: Sign Up. ************************** Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC Attorneys at Law 200 Garden City Plaza Garden City, NY 11530 516 747 6700 x 301 ken@kirschenbaumesq.com www.KirschenbaumEsq.com
