Free NYC Window Guard Notice
NYC annual Window Guard Notice required by NYC Health Code §131.15 + §131.25. Multiple-dwelling landlords must deliver by January 15 each year AND at every new tenancy. Window guards installed at NO CHARGE if a child 10 or younger lives in the apartment, or if requested for any reason.
Free NYC Window Guard Notice — overview
🗽 NYC Statutory Requirement
NYC Health Code §131.15 requires landlords of multiple dwellings to deliver the Window Guard Notice annually by January 15 AND at every new tenancy. Window guards must be installed at NO CHARGE if a child 10 years of age or younger lives in the apartment, OR if requested for any reason. Failure to comply: NYC DOHMH violations + civil liability if a child under 10 falls from a window.
A NYC Window Guard Notice is required by NYC Health Code §131.15 + §131.25. Multiple-dwelling landlords must deliver this notice annually by January 15 AND at every new tenancy. Window guards must be installed at no charge to the tenant if a child 10 years of age or younger lives in the apartment, OR if requested by the tenant for any reason. Failure to comply exposes the landlord to NYC DOHMH violations and civil liability if a child under 10 falls from a window.
Generate the Notice
Complete the fields below to generate the NYC Window Guard Notice. Deliver annually by January 15 and at every new tenancy. May be combined with the annual Lead-Based Paint Notice (NYC Local Law 1 of 2004).
Window Guard Delivery Timing: NYC Health Code §131.15 requires this notice (1) annually by January 15; (2) at every new tenancy. The notice may be combined with the annual NYC Lead-Based Paint Notice (Local Law 1 of 2004) for efficiency. Window guards must be installed at NO CHARGE if a child 10 or younger lives in the apartment, or if requested by the tenant for any reason.
1. Parties and Property
2. NYC Window Guard Notice and Tenant Response
⚠ Annual NYC Notice Required by January 15
NYC Health Code §131.15 requires landlords of multiple dwellings to deliver the Window Guard Notice annually by January 15, plus at every new tenancy. Failure to comply: NYC DOHMH violations + civil liability if a child under 10 falls from a window. The notice must be delivered in writing to each occupant.
3. Signature and Acknowledgment
About the NYC Window Guard Notice
The NYC Window Guard Notice is required by NYC Health Code §131.15 (notice requirements) and §131.25 (installation standards) in all multiple dwellings (buildings with 3+ residential units). The landlord must deliver the notice (1) annually by January 15, and (2) at every new tenancy. The notice serves three purposes: (1) inform the tenant that NYC law requires window guards if a child 10 years or younger lives in the apartment; (2) inform the tenant that window guards may be requested for ANY reason (not only because of children); (3) provide the tenant a means to respond, indicating whether window guards are required, requested, or declined. Installation requirements (NYC §131.25): window guards must be installed at NO CHARGE to the tenant; meet NYC DOHMH standards (typically 4-3/8 inch maximum bar spacing); be installed within 30 days of the tenant’s request OR upon any determination that a child 10 or younger lives in the apartment. Limited exemptions exist: first-floor windows that open onto a fire escape may be exempt (NYC §131.15(c)); at least one window per dwelling unit must remain unguarded for emergency egress. Failure to comply exposes the landlord to NYC DOHMH violations (citations, fines) and substantial civil liability if a child under 10 falls from a window. NYC HPD also requires this notice be filed with the Multiple Dwelling Registration (MDR) compliance documentation. Best practice: deliver the notice in writing to each apartment annually by January 15; combine with the annual Lead-Based Paint Notice (Local Law 1 of 2004) for efficiency; track tenant responses; inspect and install window guards within 30 days when required or requested; document all installations and refusals; retain copies indefinitely.
NYC Statutory Requirements
- Statute: NYC Health Code §131.15 (notice requirements) + §131.25 (installation standards)
- Applies to: multiple dwellings (3+ residential units)
- Required: annually by January 15 + at every new tenancy
- Installation: NO CHARGE to tenant if child 10 or younger, or any request
- Standards: 4-3/8 inch max bar spacing (NYC DOHMH standard)
- Exemptions: first-floor window with fire-escape + one egress window per unit
- 30-day installation deadline from request
Delivery and Record-Keeping
- Annual delivery by January 15 (mandatory)
- New tenancy delivery at lease signing or move-in
- Written notice required — oral notice insufficient
- May be combined with Lead-Based Paint Notice (Local Law 1 of 2004)
- Retain copies indefinitely — for HPD MDR + DOHMH compliance
Common Mistakes
- Missing January 15 annual deadline — DOHMH violation
- Charging tenant for installation — violation of NYC §131.15(b) NO CHARGE rule
- Refusing installation when requested — landlord must install on any tenant request
- Failing to install within 30 days of request or determination
- Not combining with Lead-Based Paint Notice — inefficient but not illegal
- Installing non-compliant guards — must meet NYC DOHMH spec (4-3/8 inch max spacing)
Best Practices
- Send by January 15 every year — calendar reminder essential
- Combine with Lead-Based Paint Notice (Local Law 1 of 2004)
- Track tenant responses — required vs requested vs declined
- Install within 30 days when required/requested
- Document installations and refusals with photos + dates
- Maintain HPD MDR compliance — required for rent collection
- Retain copies indefinitely — for civil liability defense
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⚖ Legal Disclaimer
This NYC Window Guard Notice template is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. NYC Health Code §131.15 + §131.25 (window guards in multiple dwellings) governs the specific notice requirements, timing, and form. NYC also imposes overlapping protections (HSTPA, Rent Stabilization Code, Health Code, Multiple Dwelling Law). State and city law may change. For NYC window guard guidance, visit NYC DOHMH Window Falls. Consult a qualified NYC landlord-tenant attorney before relying on this template.
