Ontario Rules on Window Guards & Child Safety in Rentals

Window openings and balconies present real risks for families with young children. In Ontario, tenants need clear information about who must install, maintain or approve window guards, and what to do if a rental unit feels unsafe. This guide explains tenant steps for requesting child-safety measures, how landlords’ maintenance duties are interpreted under provincial rules, and practical tips for documenting hazards and communicating concerns. You’ll find straightforward advice on filing official complaints, what evidence helps, and where to get help from the Landlord and Tenant Board and local public-health or building authorities. The goal is to help renters protect children while preserving tenancy rights and keeping relations constructive.

Who is responsible for window guards and child safety in Ontario?

In Ontario landlords must provide and maintain a rental unit that complies with health and safety rules under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, and local building or public-health codes. Tenants can ask for child-safety measures such as window guards or restrictors; landlords typically control structural installations but must accommodate reasonable safety requests. If a landlord refuses or the response is delayed, tenants can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for an order or seek municipal enforcement.^[1][2]

How to ask your landlord to install or secure window guards

Follow a clear, written process so you have a record of the request and the landlord’s response.

• Write a dated request describing the window hazard and the age of any children affected.
• Include photos and any short video to show the opening size and risk.
• Suggest specific solutions—e.g., approved window guards, restrictors, or screens installed by a licensed contractor.
• Keep a copy and ask for a written response within a reasonable timeframe, such as 7–14 days.

You can also search listings if you are considering a move; Houseme - your rental solution in Canada offers map-based search features to compare safer units.

What to document when a window is unsafe

• Take clear photos from different angles showing the opening, window type, and distance to the floor.
• Record dates and times when children were near the window or any incidents occurred.
• Keep copies of written requests and any contractor estimates or inspection reports.

If the landlord doesn’t act: official complaints and forms

If the landlord does not respond, tenants in Ontario can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board or contact municipal building and public-health authorities for immediate hazards. The LTB supports applications and can make binding orders; see the Forms and applications page for the correct application type and submission instructions.^[1][3]

Common documents to consider:

• Application to the Landlord and Tenant Board (see the LTB Forms page for the specific application that fits your case).
• Written requests to your landlord (keep copies and delivery proof).
• Photos, dated logs, and any inspection or contractor reports.

Related tenant resources

For broader safety issues and tenant obligations, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for how repairs and alterations are typically handled.

FAQ

Can I install a window guard myself if my landlord won’t?

You can ask to install a non-structural guard, but you should get written permission and agree who pays and whether the guard must be professionally installed; undocumented alterations can risk your deposit.

How long does a landlord have to respond to a safety request?

There is no single deadline in every case, but reasonable requests typically expect a reply within 7–14 days; if the risk is immediate, contact municipal enforcement or call emergency services.

Will applying to the Landlord and Tenant Board cost me money?

Some applications have filing fees or administrative steps; check the LTB Forms page for current fee information and fee-exempt options.

How-To

1. Document the hazard with photos and a short dated log.
2. Send a written request to the landlord describing the problem and proposed solutions.
3. Wait for the landlord’s reply within a reasonable timeframe and follow up if needed.
4. If unresolved, apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board using the appropriate application form.
5. Contact municipal building or public-health authorities for immediate hazards or if you need inspection.

Help and Support / Resources

• Tribunals Ontario — Landlord and Tenant Board
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
• LTB Forms and Applications

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1. [1] Tribunals Ontario — Landlord and Tenant Board
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
3. [3] LTB Forms and Applications