WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SD 523

An Act relative to window guards in residential rental properties

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Montigny

Massachusetts bill requiring landlords to install and maintain window guards in rental properties to prevent child injuries and falls from windows.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SD 523

Legislative bill overview

SD 523 establishes requirements for window guards in residential rental properties in Massachusetts. The bill mandates that landlords provide and maintain window guards in rental units, particularly in buildings with families with young children or where tenants request them. This addresses child safety by preventing falls from windows, a significant cause of injury and death among young children.

Why is this important

Window falls are a leading cause of unintentional injury for children ages 1-4, with hundreds of cases annually in the U.S. Placing responsibility on landlords ensures consistent safety standards across rental housing stock, where tenant knowledge and resources for safety modifications may vary. This protects a vulnerable population while also clarifying landlord-tenant obligations around habitability and safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Determining who pays for window guards (landlord vs. tenant), installation labor, and maintenance may face dispute, potentially increasing rental housing costs
  • Enforcement and inspections: Implementation requires clear inspection protocols and consequences for non-compliance, raising questions about enforcement resources and consistency
  • Scope limitations: Defining which properties, units, or windows are covered (e.g., ground floor exemptions, age thresholds for "families with young children") could create loopholes or unintended burdens
  • Tenant privacy and access: Requiring landlord access for installation and maintenance could create practical conflicts in rental relationships

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.