Read our guide to window regulations for rented properties, whether you are a landlord or a tenant, this is what you need to know…
A recent, tragic case of a toddler’s death as a result of falling from a window highlights, once again, the fatal consequences of failing to ensure windows are safe and secure. Private landlords as well as social housing landlords are urged to check their procedures for ensuring window safety to prevent such accidents.
All residential property landlords are legally required to ensure that windows are designed, installed, and maintained in a way that prevents accidents such as falls or entrapment.
While it is up to landlords to decide how to conform with the above legal requirement, if an accident did occur the HSE would decide whether the measures put in place by the landlord were compliant or not. A window that does not have proper locks or restrictors could easily be opened by a child and lead to a fall. This not only puts the child at risk but also leaves the landlord liable for any resulting injuries.
Landlords seeking guidance on how to comply fully with the regulations might find it helpful to follow the standards of large letting organisations, for example Central Housing Group sets out the following 3 requirements:-
- All ground floor opening windows should be fitted with window locks with operable keys or, alternatively, Jackloc type cable restrictors.
- All 1st floor opening windows and above should be fitted with secure window restrictors or window locks with operable keys, for child safety.
- All windows should be in good working order and at least one window in each room should open.
The requirement for key-operated locks on windows on 1st floor and above reflects the added risk of higher floors. A child or vulnerable adult could accidentally disengage a push and twist type lock. In this scenario a secure key operated window restrictor such as the Pro-5 window restrictor or the Titan window restrictor would be ideal.
In order to also comply with the requirement to prevent entrapment, keys for window restrictors should be kept somewhere that is easily accessible by tenants, perhaps hanging by a window, so that in the event of a fire the tenant can use the window to exit the building.
How do window restrictors prevent falls?
Window restrictors prevent falls from windows by restricting the opening to a maximum of 100mm, even when force is applied. In the case of the award-winning Jackloc Titan window restrictor the restriction will withstand the force of 10 adult men pushing against the window, meaning that even a forceful fall against a window would not result in the window opening. With a key-operated option such as the Jackloc Pro-5 or the Titan the tenant can open the window to the maximum opening using the key.
How Significant are the risks?
Unfortunately falls from windows are more common than most of us think. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), every year more than 4,000 children under the age of 15 are injured due to falling from windows in the UK. Every year approximately 10 children lose their life after falling from a window.
Similarly, the Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) states that EVERY DAY one child under the age of five is admitted to hospital after falling from a building.
It isn’t only children who are at risk of falls from windows though; vulnerable, elderly or intoxicated adults in confused states and teenagers who have less risk awareness than adults, are also at high risk.
Window safety maintenance
Simply fitting locks to windows is not enough. Ensuring that all windows are safe and secure for tenants is an ongoing task. Landlords are responsible for maintaining the overall condition of windows in their rental properties.
A schedule of maintenance should be established which would include checking for any cracks or damage that could potentially compromise the structural integrity of the window and any window restrictors in place. All locks on windows should be regularly checked to ensure they are functioning properly. It is best practice to keep records of maintenance schedules.
Window regulations for rented properties in the UK aim to ensure the safety and well-being of tenants and landlords, as well as maintaining the overall quality of rental properties. We hope that this guide has helped you to understand the window regulations that are relevant for rented properties. If you would like any advice regarding appropriate window restrictors for your rental properties please do contact us and we will be happy to help.
