Window Guard Notice: Annual Rules for Landlords
Every January, NYC owners have a short window to send the annual window guard notice. It's not a sign on the wall, but it's one of the most important yearly notices for any building with 3 or more apartments, and the rules got updated for 2026.
The quick answer
In short: Owners of buildings with 3 or more apartments must install approved window guards wherever a child 10 or younger lives, or when any tenant asks. Each year, send the annual notice to every tenant between January 1 and 16. If a tenant doesn't reply by February 15, follow up and inspect.
The yearly timeline
Send the annual notice to every tenant. Mail it, hand deliver it, or include it with the January rent bill if it goes out between December 15 and January 16.
No reply? Inspect the unit to see if a child 10 or under lives there, and check guards are installed.
If you can't get access to inspect or install, report it to the Health Department with at least three contact attempts per unit.
Give every new tenant the window guard lease notice when they sign.
HPD's January owner checklist lists the window guard inquiry as due by January 16, and lets owners use either the window guard notice or the lead paint annual notice for the yearly inquiry.
What changed for 2026
The NYC Health Department updated its window guard rules effective January 1, 2026. The big ones:
- 1Who counts as living thereA child who spends 10 or more hours a week in the apartment counts, even if they don't live there full time. Think grandkids or regular babysitting.
- 2Balconies and terracesFall prevention devices on windows that open onto balconies or terraces above the first floor.
- 3Air conditionersNew installation rules for window AC units.
- 4Modern windowsUpdated requirements for newer window types and safety products.
Which windows need guards
All windows in the apartment, including bathroom windows and public hallway windows, except windows that open onto a fire escape. Use guards from the Health Department's approved list, installed to the Health Code's specs. Small buildings count too, including 3 family houses.
Is there a window guard sign?
No posting is required for window guards. The notice goes directly to each tenant. That said, a lot of owners post a short reminder in the lobby each January, like "Annual window guard notices are out. Please return yours by February 15." It helps with response rates.
Want a reusable January reminder sign for the lobby? See custom signs
Bundle your January notices
January is busy. Many owners send the window guard notice together with the stove knob cover notice and the yearly smoking policy. The FDNY also lets owners send the emergency preparedness guide with window guard notices. One envelope, several requirements covered.
What this looks like in practice
Picture a 30 unit building. The owner mails the window guard notice with the January rent bill on December 20. By February 15, 24 tenants have replied. The super inspects the other 6 apartments, finds one with a toddler who stays with grandma every weekday, and installs guards that week.
Official sources: NYC Health: Window Guards for Building Owners, HPD Bulletin to Property Owners.
Quick answers
When is the window guard notice due?
Between January 1 and January 16 each year.
What age requires window guards?
Children 10 and younger, including children who spend 10 or more hours a week in the apartment.
Do I need to post a window guard sign?
No posting is required, but a lobby reminder helps tenants return the notice. See the checklist for signs that are required.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.