New York City Required Annual Notice -Window Guards and Lead Paint

It is required that tenants living in buildings with 3 or more apartments complete this form and return it to the landlord.



New York City Window Guard Requirements


When moving to a new apartment, there are many concerns for both the landlord and the tenant. When moving with children these concerns may be elevated and safety may be one of the main concerns at the top of the list.


New York City law requires that landlords supply this document to their tenants. This document is required for all tenants living in buildings with 3 or more apartments. The tenant is responsible for completing this form and returning it to their landlord before February 15, of each year.

According to New York City law, a landlord is required to check their apartment properties for paint that is peelings and also to check for any other lead paint hazards annually if the tenant has a five years of age or younger that lives with them.


In addition, another law set by New York City, is to have window guards in all windows if the tenant has a child 10 years of age or younger that is living on the premises. Each year, many young infants and children are injured or lost their lives due to unguarded windows. Window guards may be requested by the tenant, even if there are no children living on the property. Tenants without young children whom want window guards should submit a written letter stating their request. It is against New York City law to deny the request. For instance, a tenant may have young children visit, or babysit. Another possibility a tenant would want window guards would be for an older relative for added safety. The only exception is if the window provides access to fire escapes or if the window is a secondary egress window in a first-floor apartment where there are fire escapes are located on the other floors.


It is the responsibility of each person who manages or controls the building to confirm whether a child in the indicated age group resides therein, and to adhere to the requirements of the law accordingly.

This document outlines the rights that both the landlord and tenant have to help maintain a safe environment.