DUTIES OF OWNERS.

(a) The owner shall:

(1) have the equipment inspected annually by a registered elevator inspector, unless the equipment has been removed from service in accordance with commission rules;

(2) obtain an inspection report from the inspector evidencing that all equipment in a building on the real property was inspected in accordance with this chapter and rules adopted under this chapter;

(3) file with the executive director each inspection report, and all applicable fees, not later than the 30th calendar day after the date on which an inspection is made under this chapter;

(4) display the certificate of compliance for the equipment in a publicly visible area as defined by commission rule; and

(5) maintain the equipment in compliance with the standards and codes adopted under commission rules.

(b) When an inspection report is filed, the owner shall submit to the executive director, as applicable:

(1) verification that any deficiencies in the registered elevator inspector's report have been remedied or that a bona fide contract to remedy the deficiencies has been entered into; or

(2) any application for delay or waiver of an applicable standard.

(c) For the purpose of determining timely filing under Subsection (a)(3) and Section 754.016(b), an inspection report and filing fees are considered filed on the earlier of:

(1) the date of personal delivery;

(2) the date of postmark by United States mail if properly addressed to the executive director;

(3) the date of deposit with a commercial courier service, if properly addressed to the executive director; or

(4) the date of electronic submission, if filed in an electronic manner prescribed by the department.

(d) A fee may not be charged or collected for a certificate of compliance for an institution of higher education as defined in Section 61.003, Education Code.

(e) An owner shall report to the department each accident involving equipment not later than 24 hours following the accident.