An Act relative to window guards in residential rental properties

This bill requires landlords of multi-unit rental properties to install and maintain free window guards on specified windows (over 6 feet high, opening wide enough for a 5-inch ball) at the request of tenants with children under age 10. Landlords must provide written notice in leases and oral notice at move-in about this right, and cannot charge extra fees or discriminate against tenants requesting guards. Window guards must be designed to prevent accidental removal without a key, with special provisions for fire escape windows. The Department of Public Safety will establish rules for installation, inspection, and training, and can impose $5,000 penalties for violations.