Installation of Safety Netting in Condominiums

Check the codes, covenants and restrictions (CC&Rs) for your condominium association. These documents govern what you can and cannot do to the exterior of your condominium. If the restrictions forbid netting on balconies, contact the association's board of directors to state why you need netting around the rails in your balcony or outside staircase. The association has to carry liability insurance on the buildings and it is in their interest to improve and guarantee the safety of the building's occupants, whether they are owners or guests.

Find the netting you want to use for the stairway or balcony. Most condominium associations require a photo or drawings of what you intend to put on the balcony or stairway. The associations often have strict rules about fabrics, colors and installation. You can use prefabricated netting panels manufactured for stairs or balcony railings, some of which are temporary while others are permanent.

Submit the package to the association's design review board for approval. Once you have made any changes to their requests, obtain the safety netting and install according to the manufacturer's directions.

Test the netting for safety before allowing your children or pets to use the balcony or open stairway. Try to push a plush toy or pillow through the netting to verify that it is strong enough to resist the weight of your child or pet.

Inspect the netting occasionally to verify that the attachments are holding and none of the netting has weakened or rotted in the outdoor conditions.