Are Window Bars Legal in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals?

If you're renting in Newfoundland and Labrador, you might be wondering about the legal status of window bars in rental properties. Questions of safety, emergency exits, and your right to feel secure in your home are important for every tenant. This article explains Newfoundland and Labrador rules about window bars, your rights as a tenant, and what to do if you have concerns about them.

Understanding Window Bars in Rental Properties

Window bars are sometimes installed in rental units to deter break-ins or vandalism. While security is a valid concern, safety codes are just as important—especially when it comes to emergency escape routes. In Newfoundland and Labrador, these issues are regulated both by safety codes and tenancy law.

What the Law Says About Window Bars

There is no specific clause in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 restricting window bars, but property standards are set by the provincial building and fire codes. These require that all bedrooms and living spaces have accessible emergency exits in case of fire or emergency. Bars or security grilles installed on windows must be able to be opened easily from the inside, without special tools or keys. Otherwise, they may violate safety regulations and put tenants at risk.

Tenants and landlords must also maintain “good repair” of rental units, which includes ensuring all exits are safe and unobstructed (Section 22, Residential Tenancies Act).

Health and Safety Standards

When it comes to safety, landlords are required to follow health and safety bylaws and codes in Newfoundland and Labrador. If window bars prevent you from easily escaping in an emergency, this could be considered a health and safety hazard. For more on these topics, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

• Tenants have the right to a safe living environment with adequate emergency exits.
• Landlords are responsible for ensuring window bars (if installed) comply with safety codes and do not prevent emergency escape.
• If you are concerned window bars in your rental might block your escape in an emergency, you have a right to request they be removed or replaced with quick-release bars.

Both landlords and tenants must follow the rules laid out by the Residential Tenancies Office, which handles rental disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador.

How to Address Unsafe Window Bars

If you believe that window bars in your rental contravene safety regulations:

• Start by discussing the issue with your landlord in writing.
• If the landlord does not resolve the issue, you may file a formal complaint or application with the Residential Tenancies Office.
• For maintenance and repair concerns, the "Application By Tenant for Repairs" (Form RTB-12) can be used.
  How it works: If you have requested repairs relating to window bars and the landlord has not acted within a reasonable time, complete Form RTB-12 and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office forms page.

Document all correspondence and keep photos if possible. For common problems after moving in, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Key Safety Points for Tenants

• All bedrooms must have a window or door that serves as a fire escape, easily used in an emergency.
• Bars on these windows must have simple quick-release mechanisms or not be present at all.
• If you notice any safety or repair issues, you're entitled to ask for them to be fixed promptly.

These requirements help keep tenants safe and give peace of mind in case of emergency.

For more information about your rights in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a landlord install window bars without my permission?
   Generally, landlords should not make major alterations such as installing window bars without consulting tenants, especially if it impacts emergency exits or safety.
2. What can I do if window bars block my only emergency exit?
   Notify your landlord immediately, outlining your safety concerns in writing. If not addressed, submit a repair request to the Residential Tenancies Office.
3. Are landlords responsible for ensuring window bars are compliant with safety codes?
   Yes. Landlords must ensure window bars do not block emergency exits and meet provincial safety rules.
4. Who handles disputes about window bar safety in rentals?
   The Residential Tenancies Office oversees such disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador.
5. Does every province have the same rules about window bars?
   No. Building safety and tenancy rules vary by province and municipality. Always check local regulations or your provincial tenant board's website for current standards.

Key Takeaways

• Window bars in rentals must allow for easy emergency exits according to safety codes.
• Landlords are responsible for compliance; tenants can request removal or upgrades if bars block safe escape.
• Use official forms and the Residential Tenancies Office if informal requests do not resolve your concerns.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office, NL Government – For application forms, guidance, and disputes
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Office – Office line and email for support
• Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL) – full text
2. Provincial Building Code information
3. Residential Tenancies Office – Newfoundland and Labrador
4. Residential Tenancies Office Forms

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