Buildings that have three or more apartments must provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows in apartments with children 10 or younger. Windows leading onto fire escapes do not require guards.
The window guard requirement also includes:
- Windows on the 1st floor
- Bathroom windows
- Windows leading onto a balcony or terrace in an apartment
- All common area hallway windows in buildings where children 10 or younger reside
Apartments on the 1st floor, where there are fire escapes on the upper floors, can have one window that remains unguarded.
Window guard requirements apply to rental buildings, condominiums, and co-operative (co-op) apartments.
Apartment management will send tenants a Window Guard Annual Notice every year. Tenants should update the notice to reflect any children under 10 years of age living in the apartment.
Once the child living in the apartment reaches 10 years of age, window guards are no longer required by law. Tenants can ask their apartment manager to remove the window guards.
Learn more about window guard requirements.
