Window Safety in Rental Properties

Window restrictors are a safety precaution product which connect to window frames, preventing windows from opening past a specific point. They are one of the most important safety features for rental properties. As a landlord, it is important to know whether they are a legal requirement in the UK and what your responsibility is when it comes to installing them.

Window restrictors should be installed on windows in buildings that are more than 1400 mm above ground level, or where a fall from the window could cause significant injury. They limit the opening of a window, usually to 100 mm or less, and can help to keep people safe and prevent falls from windows. In addition to their safety benefits, window restrictors can help to improve security by making it more difficult for burglars to gain access to a building through a window.

Window restrictors should be fitted at a height that is out of reach for children, which is typically a height of 1500 mm. In general, installing window restrictors on any windows that pose a potential safety risk is highly recommended.

The placement of furniture and other objects near windows should be carefully considered, as these can be used to climb and access windows that would otherwise be out of reach.

Are window restrictors a legal requirement in the UK?

There are currently no laws in the United Kingdom that explicitly state that window restrictors to be installed in residential buildings, however, it is a legal requirement in Ireland. The UK government recommends that window restrictors be installed in buildings with children under the age of five, as well as buildings with vulnerable adults, to prevent accidents and injuries from falls, so, whilst it is not a legal requirement, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 encourages landlords to install them where necessary.

In 2013, the government sent out an alert regarding window restrictors in hospitals and care homes. This alert detailed that a comprehensive audit had to take place in all hospitals and care homes around the UK to check windows and restrictors for potential dangers. It was issued after an at-risk person fell from a second-storey window of a hospital with inadequate window restrictors. This report stated that all window restrictors should adhere to these recommendations:

• Windows should not exceed a 100 mm opening.
• The restrictor can only be disengaged with a special key or tool.
• All current window restrictors should be reassessed.
• Windows without restrictors to be assessed to see if they meet requirements.
• The regulations around window restrictors change from building to building, so we will cover a few building types you will find window restrictors.
• Schools – As schools have a due diligence to their students and their safety, you will be able to find numerous window restrictors in school buildings. This will include universities, primary schools, and secondary schools.

This will be especially true for school buildings that have multiple floors.

• Multi-storey buildings – It is not a legal requirement for all multi-storey buildings to have window restrictors, but it is highly recommended to instal restrictors where there is a possibility of someone harming themselves.

• Rented properties – Although window restrictors can improve the safety of your tenants, window restrictors are not legally required. Many organisations and tenants will encourage you to install them, especially if children or at-risk individuals are living in your property.

Window restrictors are highly beneficial to landlords and their properties, as they are inexpensive to install, can help prevent unnecessary (and in some cases, fatal) accidents to their tenants, and will also help provide extra security and safety of their property.

Landlords are also responsible for any repairs to windows to the structure and exterior, but they can only do this if they are aware of the problems.

Can Proptech play a part in window safety in rental properties?

It can! Choosing the right property software can be an overwhelming task today, however, it is important to choose uncomplicated, time efficient and reliable software that works for you and your business – even for those who consider themselves novices to technology. Automation software with reminders ensures that you stay compliant, so you never miss a deadline, and certificate renewals will never be overlooked.

KPR has a Tenant Portal in the software, allowing tenants to report safety and repair issues with an easy-to-use QR code exclusive to their rental property, using simple templates and photo/video prompts, minimising busy waiting times on the phones, and unnecessary back and forth between tenant, agent, and contractor. Maintenance and repairs reporting involves an effortless process where the tenant sends their uploaded issue to the managing agent, who then forwards the repair request to their preferred contractor list for the required job.

At KPR we understand the demands of the industry and strive to address the issues agents and property owners face. We have our own in-house development team with knowledge on modem technology and methodologies, which keep KPR software current, and always focusing on the next level.

We have our own in-house development team with knowledge on modem technology and methodologies, which keep KPR software current, and always focusing on the next level.

If you would like to speak with us about how we can assist you and your business, feel free to speak with our helpful team today!

0208 542 2333

hello@kpr.global