Many Alberta tenants want to feel secure at home—so it’s common to wonder whether window bars are legal in apartments or rental houses. Window security can help deter break-ins, but these installations are governed by safety rules. This article explains what both tenants and landlords should know about putting window bars on Alberta rental properties, including legal requirements, fire code implications, and how to resolve disputes.

Window Bars in Alberta Rentals: What the Law Says

Security bars on windows are not automatically illegal in Alberta rentals, but there are important restrictions designed to ensure tenants' safety—especially regarding emergency exits.

Fire Code and Safety Requirements

Under the Alberta Fire Code and local municipal bylaws, any window bars installed on bedroom windows (or on windows that may be used for emergency escape or rescue) must:

• Be easy to open from the inside without tools, keys, or special knowledge
• Not impede emergency exit in the event of a fire
• Not be permanently fixed so that escape is impossible

Permanent or non-releasable window bars on any bedroom or basement egress window are not allowed, as they violate fire safety rules.

Who Can Install Window Bars?

In most cases, landlords must approve the installation of any fixture that alters the property, including window bars. Tenants should not install security bars themselves without written landlord permission. Landlords, in turn, are responsible for ensuring any installation complies with safety legislation.

Relevant Alberta Legislation and Tribunal

The key tenancy law governing rental units in Alberta is the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)¹. Disputes about window bars, safety, or repairs can be taken to the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), Alberta's designated tribunal for landlord and tenant matters.

Health, Safety, and Landlord-Tenant Responsibilities

Landlords are legally required to provide safe, habitable housing. That includes ensuring emergency escapes are not blocked. Window bars that violate safety codes could make a home unfit to live in—which gives tenants specific rights under the law. For more details, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Both landlords and tenants have a duty of care when it comes to property modifications and must not create unsafe conditions. A full overview is provided in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Addressing a Safety Concern: Steps for Tenants

If you believe window bars in your rental are illegal or unsafe:

• First, document the issue (take photos, note locations and whether a quick-release mechanism is present)
• Notify your landlord in writing
• If unresolved, contact your local fire authority or municipal bylaw office for guidance
• As a last resort, file a complaint or application with the RTDRS for an order to fix the problem

For general rental living, check out Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for a province-specific summary.

Do I Need to Submit an Official Form?

If direct communication does not resolve the issue, tenants can apply to the RTDRS using Form RTDRS 001: Application. This form is used to request remedies for issues like unsafe conditions or breaches of the RTA. Example: a tenant applies for an order requiring the landlord to remove non-compliant window bars blocking a fire exit.

What Are My Options If I Feel Unsafe?

Safety is a top concern—if you believe your home is at risk due to improper window bars, the law is on your side. Options include:

• Reporting directly to the municipality or local fire marshal
• Filing with the RTDRS for an order to repair or restore emergency exits
• Seeking support from tenant advocacy services (see below)

If the issue is severe, tenants may also have cause to consider ending their lease early—for guidance, refer to the How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant guide.

Other Safety and Security Tips for Alberta Tenants

Aside from window bars, Alberta tenants should be aware of building entry locks, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and overall property maintenance. For a reliable way to find safe and secure rentals, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Window Bars and Tenant Safety in Alberta Rentals

1. Are landlords in Alberta allowed to install window bars on every window?
   Landlords may install window bars, but bars on emergency exit windows (like bedroom windows) must be easily opened from the inside without tools or keys, according to the Alberta Fire Code.
2. What should I do if window bars in my rental block a fire escape?
   Document the problem, contact your landlord in writing, and if not resolved, reach out to the RTDRS. You can also contact your local fire department for safety advice or bylaw enforcement.
3. Can I remove window bars myself if I think they’re unsafe?
   You cannot alter the property without landlord permission. Instead, raise the issue with your landlord and pursue official complaint channels if needed.
4. Which authority handles disputes between tenants and landlords in Alberta?
   The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) manages landlord-tenant disputes in Alberta.
5. Do window bars affect my tenant insurance?
   Window bars might affect your policy, so it's best to check with your insurer. However, safety compliance is primarily a landlord responsibility.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Window bars are legal in Alberta rentals only if they meet fire and building codes—specifically, they must not block emergency exits or be impossible to open from inside.
• Landlords are responsible for safe installations; tenants should always get permission before making changes.
• Know your rights and, if needed, use the RTDRS or contact your municipality for help if safety is compromised.

Staying informed helps tenants and landlords maintain both security and safety in Alberta rental housing.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – File a dispute, get help with your application.
• Official Residential Tenancies Forms (Service Alberta)
• Alberta Health and municipal fire departments for building code compliance and fire exit safety.
• See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta for a full list of tenant protections.

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta)
2. See: Alberta Fire Code
3. RTDRS: Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

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