Window Guards

Window Guards

Each year, young children are injured or die in falls from unguarded windows. These are preventable deaths and injuries.

Local Law 57 requires property owners must provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows, including first floor bathrooms and windows leading onto a balcony or terrace in an apartment where a child 10 years of age or younger resides and in each common area window, if any, in such buildings.

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Tenants' Rights and Responsibilities

Tenants can request window guards in writing to their property owner or landlord. Tenants can request window guards for any reason, even if there are no resident children 10 years of age or younger, the landlord must install them. For example, grandparents who have visiting children, parents who share custody and occupants who provide child care may wish to request window guards.

If required or requested window guards have not been installed, or if they appear to be insecure or improperly installed, or if there is more than 4½ inches of open unguarded space in the window opening, file a complaint online or call 311.

The law does not allow tenants to remove window guards to install air conditioners. If you want an air conditioner installed, the property management must follow all required regulations to ensure that the air conditioner is securely installed to prevent any falls either from dislodging the air conditioner or falling through some accessible opening.

Listen to this podcast to learn more about baby-proofing your home. Whether you are bringing home a baby or chasing after a toddler, every room in your home can be dangerous for a child. Here is a review of free and low cost changes you can make around your home to keep kids safe.

Owner Requirements

Local Law 57 requires property owners must provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows, including first floor bathrooms and windows leading onto a balcony or terrace in an apartment where a child 10 years of age or younger resides and in each common area window, if any, in such buildings. The exceptions to this law are windows that open onto a fire escape and windows on the first floor that are a required secondary exit in a building in which there are fire escapes on the second floor and up.

The law also requires owners to send an Annual Notice to tenants of multiple dwellings (buildings of 3 or more apartments) to determine if window guards are required:

Violations

The law authorizes HPD to issue violations for failure to install proper window guards, and to seek penalties for noncompliance.

Resources

Visit the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for more information on window fall prevention.