What Are Window Guard Laws in NYC?

January 10, 2026

Imagine a child's heartbreaking fall from a high-rise window-tragedies that prompted NYC's strict window guard laws. These rules save lives in the city that never sleeps, but do you know if they apply to your building?

Tip: Want to sanity-check a specific address? Search it on Building Health X to see recent heat/hot water, pests, noise, safety and violations across 30/90 days, 1 year and 3 years.

We'll dive into the history, who's required to install them, legal specs, penalties, and how to request or remove guards. Stick around to stay compliant and safe.

What Are Window Guard Laws in NYC?

NYC's window guard laws, mandated by Local Law 1 of 1971, require guards on windows in buildings with children under 10 to prevent tragic falls, after 38 kids died from window falls in 1970 alone. These laws appear in NYC Administrative Code 27-2046 and Multiple Dwelling Law 235-b. The HPD enforces them through over 15,000 annual inspections, while NYCHA tracks compliance rates in public housing.

Landlords must install NYC window guards in apartments where a child under 10 lives or visits regularly. Tenants request guards via a window guard notice, triggering window guard installation within 21 days. Guards meet strict window guard dimensions, like bar spacing no more than 4.5 inches.

Window guard requirements apply to sleeping rooms, fire escape windows, and any window over 12 inches high where a child could fall. Exemptions exist for certain high-rise units or fixed windows, but releasable window guards ensure emergency egress. Violations lead to fines, with HPD issuing orders for window guard compliance.

These child safety window guards cover multiple dwellings, co-ops, condos, and NYCHA properties across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. Annual window guard inspection verifies fit and function, protecting against toddler falls from second or third floors.

Historical Background

In 1970, 38 New York City children died from falls out of apartment windows, prompting Mayor John Lindsay to sign Local Law 1 on February 4, 1971, the strictest window guard law in the U.S. The New York Times called it an epidemic of falls. This tragedy led to mandatory NYC window guard regulations in residential buildings.

Enforcement began in 1972, with HPD installing over 100,000 guards in the first year. The original law states owners shall provide guards of approved design capable of preventing passage of a 4 inch sphere on windows accessible to children. This set NYC window guard standards like RS-9 models.

By the 2010s, NYCHA saw spikes in window guard violations, prompting renewed campaigns. Nationally, a CDC study notes window falls cause thousands of injuries yearly, underscoring NYC's lead in fall prevention windows NYC. Pre-war buildings required retrofits for old building window guards.

Today, these laws influence public housing window guards NYCHA, Section 8 rentals, and luxury apartments. Experts recommend annual checks to maintain window guard compliance, especially in high-rises where toddler fall protection NYC remains critical.

Legal Requirements

NYC Administrative Code 27-2046.1 mandates window guards in all multiple dwellings where children 10 or under reside, covering most city rental buildings. This law works alongside Multiple Dwelling Law 235-b to ensure child safety from falls. The HPD Notice of Violation process enforces compliance through inspections and fines.

Landlords must install NYC window guards upon tenant request if a child under 10 lives there. HPD handles violations by issuing notices, which tenants or owners can contest at ECB hearings. Annual window guard inspections confirm ongoing adherence to NYC window guard regulations.

The Department of Housing Preservation and Development window guards rules require certified models meeting specific standards. DOB oversees building code references for new installations. Failure to comply leads to fines for no window guards and possible window guard violations.

Tenants should submit a window guard notice form to request installation. Owners bear window guard landlord responsibility for maintenance and replacement of damaged units. This setup promotes fall prevention windows NYC in high-risk apartments.

Buildings Covered

Window guards are required in all multiple dwellings (3+ families), NYCHA housing, co-ops, condos, and Section 8 buildings, but single-family homes and owner-occupied units with no children under 10 are exempt. These rules apply across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. HPD classifies buildings to determine window guard requirements.

Multiple Dwellings under NYC Admin Code, including most rentals.
NYCHA public housing, with dedicated safety programs.
Section 8 subsidized units for low-income families.
Co-ops and condos, where boards manage compliance.
Rooming houses and shared living spaces.
SROs (single-room occupancy) with child residents.
Daycares requiring guards on accessible windows.

Exclusions include hotels and single-family homes without young children. Pre-war buildings and new construction alike need residential window guards NYC. Owners check HPD building classification charts for exact coverage.

For co-op window guards NYC or condo window guards NYC, boards often coordinate bulk purchases. Public housing window guards NYCHA follow strict timelines. Tenants in rental unit window guards confirm coverage by reviewing leases.

Window Specifications

Guards are required on windows 12+ inches above floor in sleeping rooms, nurseries, and accessible areas where opening exceeds 4.75 inches, specifically excluding fire escape windows. These specs come from NYC Admin Code 27-2046.2. Floors 1-6 typically need them in high-rise window safety NYC setups.

Window Type	Required?	Specs	Example
Sleeping room	Yes	Sill <24 opening >4.75 bar spacing 4.75"	Child's bedroom with wide casement
Fire escape	No	Quick release mechanism	Access window to metal ladder
Kitchen (non-accessible)	No	N/A	Sink window over counter
Play area	Yes	Floors 1-6, releasable for emergencies	Daycare playroom slider

Window guard dimensions include bar spacing no more than 4.75 inches and approved models like RS-9 window guards NYC. Releasable window guards allow emergency egress. Landlords ensure NYC window guard standards during installation.

Sill height under 24 inches triggers requirements for child safety window guards. Custom window guards NYC fit odd sizes in old building window guards. Professional window guard installers verify measurements at key points like sill and opening width.

Who Must Install Window Guards?

Landlords bear primary responsibility for NYC window guards, but tenants must request them in writing when children under 10 move in. Under NY Real Property Law, owners install HPD-approved guards using the tenant request form WG-13. HPD enforces through thousands of annual inspections.

Window guard laws in New York City target fall prevention windows NYC, especially in sleeping rooms and fire escape windows. Tenants trigger the process by submitting Form WG-13, giving landlords 21 days to comply. Failure leads to violations and fines.

These rules apply to multiple dwelling law window guards in apartments, co-ops, and condos across all boroughs like Manhattan and Brooklyn. Owners must use approved models meeting NYC window guard standards, such as proper bar spacing and releasable mechanisms for emergencies. Tenants keep delivery proof to avoid disputes.

Exceptions exist for certain window guard exemptions, like windows over 24 inches above grade or non-residential spaces. Experts recommend checking NYC building code window guards for your building type, including pre-war structures needing retrofits.

Landlords and Owners

Building owners and landlords must install approved window guards within 21 days of tenant request, facing Class B violations with fines from $250 to $500 for non-compliance. They provide HPD-approved guards like models RS-9 and C-113, ensuring child safety window guards meet bar spacing and release standards. Annual inspections confirm functionality.

Owners maintain records of window guard installation and certifications for three years, covering sleeping room window guards and fire escape windows. NY Attorney General guidelines stress using certified installers for residential window guards NYC. Damaged guards require prompt replacement to avoid HPD violation window guards.

Download approved model lists from HPD for RS-9 window guards NYC and others.
Conduct annual window guard inspection and document with photos.
Issue a sample notice to tenants: "We received your WG-13 request and will install NYC HPD window guards within 21 days per window guard regulations."

For NYCHA public housing window guards or Section 8 units, additional DOB oversight applies. Co-op and condo boards follow similar window guard landlord responsibility, prioritizing high-rise safety in Queens and the Bronx.

Tenants' Responsibilities

Tenants must submit HPD Form WG-13 to landlords when children under 10 reside, with delivery proof like certified mail protecting against eviction claims. This triggers tenant window guard request for child under 10 window guards in required windows. Landlords then have 21 days to act.

Follow this step-by-step process for NYC window guard notice:

Download WG-13 from the HPD website.
Fill in child names, DOBs, and apartment details.
Send via certified mail with return receipt, plus a photo of windows needing guards.
Wait 21 days for installation.
Call 311 to report if no response, leading to HPD enforcement.

Use template language like: "Per NYC window guard laws, install guards in my unit's sleeping rooms as my child under 10 now resides here." Keep copies for ECB hearing window guards NYC if disputes arise. This applies to rentals, daycares, and even some co-ops.

Tenants cannot install DIY window guards legal NYC without approval, as they must meet ASTM window guard standards. Report issues promptly for window guard compliance in Brooklyn or Staten Island buildings.

Installation and Maintenance Rules

Guards must meet NYC DOB RS-9 standards with bars 4.75" apart, releasable emergency mechanisms, and annual landlord inspections. These rules come from DOB Technical Policy 5-90, which sets strict guidelines for window guard installation in multi-family buildings. Compliance helps prevent child falls in NYC window guards requirements.

Bar spacing cannot exceed 4 to 4.75 inches to stop small children from slipping through. The release mechanism must open with no more than 50 pounds of force, allowing quick escape during fires. Installation requires guards to extend at least 8 inches inward from the window frame for proper fall prevention.

Landlords handle annual window guard inspections and maintenance under NYC building code. Tenants can request guards using the official NYC window guard notice form if a child under 10 lives there. Damaged units need prompt replacement to avoid window guard violations and fines.

For sleeping rooms and fire escape windows, guards must allow emergency release while meeting child safety window guards standards. Experts recommend professional installation to ensure NYC window guard regulations compliance in rentals, co-ops, and condos.

Approved Types

Only DOB-approved models like RS-9 Standard, C-113 Expandable, and Permanently Releasable guards pass inspection. DIY installations risk $1,000 fines for non-compliance with approved window guard models. Always check the DOB Materials Approval database for current listings.

Choose expandable window guards for varying window sizes in older apartments. Metal types offer durability for high-rise window safety, while releasable ones meet egress rules. Custom fits work best for pre-war buildings under NYC local law window guards.

Landlords must supply guards for windows requiring guards NYC, such as those in sleeping rooms over the first floor. Tenants in NYCHA or Section 8 units get priority installation. Professional installers ensure proper depth and bar spacing.

Model	Type	Window Size	Price	Where to Buy	Key Features
RS-9 Standard	Fixed Metal	24-36" wide	$60	Hardware stores	4.25" bar spacing, releasable latch
C-113	Expandable	20-40" wide	$45	Home Depot	Adjustable bars, 50lb release
NYC Iron Pro	Permanent Releasable	22-38" wide	$89	NYC Iron	Quick-release, DOB certified
Amazon RS-9E	Expandable Metal	18-42" wide	$55	Amazon approved	Easy install, child-proof
SecureFit	Custom Metal	Custom fit	$120	Local suppliers	8" depth, fire-safe
Egress Guard	Releasable	26-40" wide	$75	Building supply	50lb force max, bar spacing compliant

Penalties for Non-Compliance

HPD issues Class B violations ($250-$500 per window) escalating to Class A ($1,000-$2,000) for repeat offenses, with ECB hearings resolving 65% of 2023's 12,400 window guard violations. These window guard violations stem from NYC window guard laws requiring guards on windows in apartments with children under 10. Landlords face immediate action to ensure child safety window guards.

Fines for no window guards start at Class C for immediate hazards, around $65 per violation. Class B fines reach $250, while daily fines add $10 to $50 until fixed. This structure under NYC HPD window guards pushes quick compliance with window guard requirements.

In 2023, HPD collected $4.2M from these penalties, showing strong window guard law enforcement. A Bronx landlord paid $15K for violations across 30 units lacking apartment window guards. Such cases highlight risks of ignoring NYC window guard regulations.

Landlords can appeal via the ECB appeal process within 30 days of a notice. Attend hearings to contest HPD violation window guards with proof of installation. This step helps resolve disputes over residential window guards NYC effectively.

How to Request Window Guards

Submit HPD WG-13 form via certified mail, then call 311 after 21 days. HPD dispatched inspectors to 8,200 complaints in 2023 with 89% compliance rate. This process enforces NYC window guard laws for child safety in apartments.

Tenants in buildings with three or more units can request window guards NYC for windows meeting specific criteria, like those in sleeping rooms for children under 10. Landlords must respond within the set timeframe. Follow these steps to ensure window guard compliance.

Download WG-13 form from nyc.gov/hpd. This one-page notice informs your landlord of child safety window guards requirements. Takes about 5 minutes.
Complete the form with your building address, apartment number, and details on children under 10. Include window locations needing guards, such as bedrooms or fire escape windows. Allow 30 minutes total for accuracy.
Send via certified mail with return receipt, costing around $5 at USPS. Keep the receipt as proof of delivery for NYC HPD window guards enforcement. Mail it to your landlord's registered address.
21-day clock starts from delivery date. Landlords must install approved window guard models or respond with exemptions by then. Mark your calendar to track this period.
Document any refusal or inaction. Take photos of unprotected windows, like those with bar spacing over 4.5 inches, violating NYC window guard standards. Note dates and communications.
Call 311 if no response after 21 days. Report the violation for Department of Housing Preservation window guards inspection. Provide your mailing receipt details.
Attend the inspection. HPD inspectors check for window guard violations and issue orders. This leads to fines for no window guards if non-compliant.

If issues persist, escalate to an ECB hearing for window guard law enforcement. Sample photos of unguarded second story windows or damaged guards strengthen your case. Always prioritize fall prevention windows NYC in rental units.

Exceptions and Removals

Exemptions apply to owner-occupied units, windows more than 120 inches above ground, and fire escape access points. Removal requires a tenant written request and HPD Form WG-14. These rules ensure window guard laws in NYC balance child safety with practical needs in multiple dwellings.

Landlords must document all window guard exemptions carefully to avoid NYC HPD window guards violations. Tenants requesting removal submit Form WG-14, affirming no children under 10 reside there. This process protects against accidental falls while respecting household changes.

Common scenarios include apartments in co-ops or condos where owners live on-site. Annual checks confirm exemption status under NYC Admin Code. Failure to update records can lead to fines during window guard inspection.

Owner-occupied exemption: Applies if the owner lives in the unit full-time.
No children under 10: Tenant certifies no kids in that age group.
Fire escapes (27-2046.4): Windows providing access stay unguarded.
Above 6th floor street side: High-rise safety reduces fall risk.
Fixed windows under 4.75-inch opening: Inherent design prevents passage.
Medical exemptions: Doctor's note required for health-related needs.

Removal Process

The window guard removal rules start with a tenant's written request using HPD Form WG-14. Landlords verify eligibility before removing guards from sleeping room window guards or others. This complies with NYC window guard regulations and prevents disputes.

Once approved, document the removal with photos and tenant signature. Reinstall guards if children move in, as per child under 10 window guards rules. Experts recommend keeping records for annual window guard inspection.

For example, in a Brooklyn rental, a family without young kids requests removal for better ventilation. Landlord files the form with HPD to stay compliant. This avoids fines for no window guards during routine checks.

Tenant Request Procedures

Tenants initiate by completing NYC window guard notice Form WG-14, available from HPD. Detail household members and affirm no toddler fall protection NYC needs. Submit to landlord promptly for processing.

Landlords review and respond within 30 days under window guard landlord responsibility. If denied, tenants can appeal via ECB hearing. This ensures fair application of apartment window guards rules.

Practical tip: Keep copies of all submissions. In Manhattan co-ops, this prevents delays during move-outs. It supports smooth transitions while upholding fall prevention windows NYC.

Landlord Documentation Requirements

Landlords must retain window guard certification NYC forms, photos, and affidavits for each exemption. File with HPD upon request during DOB window guards NYC audits. This proves compliance with NYC building code window guards.

Update records yearly or on tenant changes. Use sworn statements for releasable window guards removals near fire escapes. Non-compliance risks window guard violations and penalties.

In practice, a Queens landlord scans forms digitally for easy access. This aids window guard law enforcement and resolves issues fast. Always prioritize child safety window guards standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Window Guard Laws in NYC?

Window guard laws in NYC, primarily under NYC Health Code Section 173.13, require owners of multiple dwellings (buildings with three or more residential units) to install window guards on windows that are 26 feet or less above ground level in apartments where children 10 years old or younger reside, or upon tenant request. These laws aim to prevent child falls from windows.

Who is required to install window guards under NYC window guard laws?

Building owners or landlords in NYC multiple dwellings must install and maintain window guards in units with children under 10, or in common areas accessible to children like hallways and staircases. Tenants can request guards from owners at any time.

How do tenants request window guards in NYC?

Tenants in NYC can request window guards by notifying their landlord in writing. If the landlord fails to comply within 5 business days for openings wider than 4.75 inches or 14 days for others, tenants should contact 311 or the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for enforcement under window guard laws.

What are the specifications for window guards in NYC?

NYC window guards must meet strict standards: openings no wider than 4.75 inches, bars spaced no more than 4.75 inches apart, and must be releasable from inside without tools or keys by an adult. They must also withstand 150 pounds of pressure and include warnings against leaning on them.

What are the penalties for not complying with window guard laws in NYC?

Violations of NYC window guard laws can result in civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, potential criminal charges for willful non-compliance, and orders from the Department of Health to correct issues immediately, with daily fines for ongoing violations.

Do window guard laws in NYC apply to single-family homes or private houses?

No, NYC window guard laws apply only to multiple dwellings (three or more residential units). Single-family homes and private houses are not required to have window guards, though owners are encouraged to install them voluntarily for safety.