NYC window guards: who needs them

Falls from windows are preventable, and New York City has required window guards for decades. Here's how the rule works in plain English.

When window guards are required

Under the NYC Health Code, owners of multiple dwellings (generally buildings with three or more apartments) must install approved window guards in apartments where a child 10 years old or younger lives, and in any apartment where a tenant requests them. They're also required in common-area windows in those buildings.

Exempt windows

• Windows that open onto a fire escape (these can't be blocked).
• In some cases, a first-floor window that is a required secondary exit where the apartment has a fire escape on another window.

Approved guards

Window guards must be of a type approved by the NYC Department of Health and installed correctly. They're designed to keep children from falling while still allowing adults to open them in an emergency where required.

Window guards vs. security bars

Window guards are child-safety devices. Security bars are about keeping intruders out. Decorative security bars on a basement or ground-floor window are common in Brooklyn, but they must not block a required exit — and windows that lead to a fire escape can only have an approved gate that opens from inside without a key.

Our approach

For security bars and fire-escape gates, we measure each window and build custom ironwork that's solid, fire-safe and matched to your house. For child window guards in rental buildings, we'll make sure the product used is an approved type.

This guide is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Requirements change and depend on your building — confirm with NYC DOB, the relevant agency, or your architect/engineer.