Who is covered
All multiple dwellings (3+ units).
What the law requires
- Distribute the DOHMH window guard rider to every unit by January 16 each year.
- Include the rider with every lease and lease renewal.
- Install window guards on every window accessible to a child 10 or younger, except one window per unit in fire-escape rooms.
- Maintain signed tenant responses for 10 years.
Filing frequency and deadlines
Penalty structure
Non-compliance with Window Guards can result in the following penalties:
- HPD violation for failure to distribute or install.
- DOHMH enforcement if a child is injured in a fall from a non-guarded window.
Exemptions
- One- and two-family owner-occupied dwellings.
Recent updates and amendments
DOHMH strengthened enforcement after recent fall incidents and now audits distribution records.
Reference
Official source: NYC DOHMH — Window Falls Prevention
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