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Window Guards: Information for Building Owners

Updated Window Guard Rules

The NYC Health Department has adopted updates to the City’s window guard rules to reflect changes in building design and technology. Rule changes went into effect January 1, 2026.

Updated rules can be viewed at Health Code Chapter 12: Window Falls Prevention.

The final rule changes include:

  • Using the term “reside” for any child spending 10 hours or more in an apartment unit, whether or not the child permanently lives there
  • Updating window safety requirements to match modern window designs
  • Including the latest technology for new types of window frames and window safety products
  • A new registration process and platform for manufacturers who are seeking NYC Health approval for their window safety products
  • Additional requirements for proper installation of window air conditioners, since many child falls happen due to improper A/C installation or removal
  • Requiring window fall prevention devices on windows that open onto balconies or terraces above the first or ground floor in multi-unit buildings

Owners of buildings of three or more apartments must provide and properly install approved window guard (PDF) in any apartment where a child age 10 or younger resides. Tenants without children may also request window guards for any reason.

Approved window guards must be properly installed according to City Health Code Specifications (PDF) in all windows, including bathroom windows and public hallway windows, but excluding windows that provide access to fire escapes.

All window limiting devices, including traditional window guards and limiting devices, must be appropriate and approved for the type of window (for example, double hung, casement, or sliding) in which they are installed.

For buildings with fire escapes above the first and ground floors, but none below, one window must be left unguarded to allow for a secondary exit from the apartment.

Building owners who do not meet requirements may be fined.

Find out what tenants should know about window guards.

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Required Forms to Give Tenants

Building owners must provide all new tenants with the Lease Notice to Tenant (Appendix A) when they first sign their lease.

Building owners must also give existing tenants the Annual Notice (Appendix B) once a year. The Annual Notice for buildings built before 1978 (Appendix B) is a joint form that includes information about lead poisoning prevention and asks if there is a child younger than 6 in the apartment.

These forms indicate whether children 10 or younger reside in the apartment, or if the tenant or occupant wants window guards for any reason.

Annual Notice Requirements for Landlords

Each year between January 1 and January 15, landlords must give every tenant or occupant the Annual Notice form (see "Required Forms" above). You can send the notice by mail or deliver it in person. You can also include it with the January rent bill, but only if the bill is delivered between December 15 and January 16.

If you have not received a response to the form from your tenant by February 15, you must inspect the apartment to determine if a child 10 or younger resides there. If a child does reside there, you must check that approved window guards are properly installed and maintained. You must make reasonable efforts to find a suitable time for the inspection, and then, if needed, the installation or repairs.

If the tenant refuses you access and you cannot get into the apartment to inspect and make any necessary window guard installations or repairs by March 1, you must notify the NYC Department of Health of each unit and at least three attempts at contact.  Notifications must include:

  • Building details
  • Owner contact information
  • Unit number for each apartment missing a response 
  • Date and method of three attempts of contact 

Notify the Health Department of Missing Window Guard Annual Notice Responses

To notify NYC Health Department of 20 or fewer units missing Window Guard Annual Notice responses, building owners may complete our new online form: Online Annual Notice Landlord Submission.

To notify NYC Health Department of more than 20 units missing Window Guard Annual Notice responses, building owners may submit a data file.

For questions about electronic submission or to request mail submission instructions, email windowfallprevention@health.nyc.gov.

Cost of Window Guards

Building owners may charge tenants for the installation and cost of window guards in their apartments. The cost of window guards installed in public areas may not be passed on to tenants in the building. If a tenant moves out before paying for window guards in full, they must pay the balance immediately. The owner may deduct the remaining unpaid portion from the tenant's security deposit.

When a new tenant moves into an apartment that already has window guards, you cannot charge the new tenant for them. If you choose to replace the window guards due to renovation or window replacement, you cannot charge the tenant for the new guards.

For rent stabilized or controlled apartments, owners may collect a temporary surcharge for window guards, but the maximum amount may not exceed $10 per guard. The tenant may choose to pay all at once or over a period of one to three years. This charge may not become a part of the base rent for the apartment.

Window Guards Variances and Approvals for Manufacturers

If you are a window manufacturer or a building project manager, you can get a Health Department approval code for a window guard by applying for a variance. You can apply by emailing the completed application to windowfallprevention@health.nyc.gov.

Reporting Falls from Windows

Report window falls by children 16 years or younger to the NYC Health Department. All falls from a window in a building with three or more units must be reported within 24 hours of the incident.

To report a window fall, visit Reporting Disease and Conditions.

Additional Resources

More Information