Save Lives, Install Window Guards
For Almost 50 Years, Properly Installed Window Guards Have Protected Thousands of Children from Window Falls
Last Year, There Were 9 Nonfatal Window Falls Among Children 10 Years of Age or Younger in NYC
April 11, 2025 — Securely installed window guards save lives, and New York City leaders are urging all building owners, homeowners, and tenants to help prevent falls. In New York City, owners of buildings with three or more residential units are required to install approved window guards or limiting devices — which prevent windows from opening more than four-and-a-half inches — in any apartment where a child 10 years of age or younger lives. Window guards must be properly installed in all windows that are not emergency exits.
Property owners must install windows guards upon tenant request, regardless of whether there are children in the apartment. If there is at least one child aged 10 or under in the building, window guards are also required in all public area windows. These measures are essential for preventing falls and safeguarding lives.
If a building owner refuses to install window guards, tenants should call 311 to file a complaint. Building owners may also call 311 to report tenants who refuse to allow guards to be installed as required by law.
“In the spring season, when residents open windows for fresh air or to install air conditioning, the danger of window falls increases among children,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “Window guards have helped reduce window falls by more than 90 percent over decades. Yet preventable falls still occur. If you have a child aged 10 or younger and there are no window guards in your home, speak with your building owner as soon as possible so they can install the right equipment.”
“Each year, we see preventable tragedies caused by missing or improperly installed window guards. It’s our job to make sure every property owner understands their responsibility and every parent knows their rights,” said Acting Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “As the weather warms and windows open, the risk increases. In partnership with the Health Department, we’re doubling down on education and enforcement to protect children across the city. There is no excuse—this is a simple, proven step that can save a life.”
“Parents know how curious our little ones can be. Exploring their environment is how they grow and develop so it is vital that we keep those environments as safe as possible,” said Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner Jess Dannhauser. “Window guards are an essential part of a safe home for children. As the weather gets warmer and New Yorkers start to open their windows, please be sure that window guards are safely installed to prevent tragedies and keep children safe from unintentional injury.”
In 2024, of nine window falls, three occurred due to improperly installed window fall prevention devices, and one occurred because of improper window air conditioning unit installation. Fortunately, none of these falls were fatal.
New York City was the first U.S. city to adopt a window guard policy, in 1976. Before the law was passed, some years saw more than 100 falls, some of them fatal. In the last 20 years, that number has drastically declined.
Condominium owners should check with building management to determine who needs to install and repair window fall prevention devices in their apartments. Maintaining hallway windows in condominium buildings is the management’s responsibility. In co-op buildings, management needs to install and maintain all window guards and limiting devices. One- and two-family homes are not legally required to have window guards, but installation is recommended anywhere there are young children.
In windows with air conditioners, building owners should permanently install window AC units using one-way tamper-resistant screws in apartments where a child aged 10 or younger lives. The AC should be permanently and securely bolted into the window frame without leaving any open space greater than four-and-a-half inches. Rigid material should be used on all sides of AC units to prevent any accidents from occurring.
For tenants considering installation of their own air conditioning units, it's important to exercise caution. While not recommended, if pursued, carefully review instructions, use proper hardware, and follow legal regulations. Contacting the landlord for professional installation is encouraged to ensure safety and compliance.
In dwelling units with children 10 years of age or younger, tenants must inform the building owner by completing the annual notice provided by the landlord that a child 10 or under lives in an apartment. Once the building owner is informed, the tenant should:
- Allow the building owner or a representative access to the apartment to install window guards or stopping devices that keep windows from opening more than 4½ inches.
- Never alter or remove window guards or limiting devices once they are installed.
- Never leave a child alone in a room where there are open windows until window guards or limiting devices are properly installed.
The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) responds to complaints to checks for window guards during housing maintenance code inspections and issues violations when window guards are improperly installed or missing. HPD’s Emergency Repair Program arranges for the installation or repair of window guards when property owners fail to do so to keep children safe. Between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, HPD received 2,955 complaints for window guards and issued more than 7,000 violations requiring the installation or repair of window guards.
Find out more about window guards on the Health Department Window Guards webpage. You can also email us at windowfallprevention@health.nyc.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Shari Logan PressOffice@health.nyc.gov