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Bill

S 1012

SOIL Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Michael Bennet and 4 co-sponsors

Bill S 1012 mandates window guards in rental units with children under 10, enhancing safety by preventing falls and ensuring landlords meet installation requirements.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · S 1012

Summary of Bill S 1012: An Act Relative to Window Guards in Residential Rental Properties

Bill Number: S 1012
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Status: Hearing scheduled for November 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
Presented by: Mark C. Montigny, Second Bristol and Plymouth

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 1012 aims to enhance child safety in residential rental properties by mandating the installation of window guards in units occupied by tenants with children aged ten and under. The legislation seeks to prevent accidental falls from windows, thereby reducing the risk of injury or death among young children.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions, which can be summarized as follows:

Definitions

  • Child: An individual aged ten years or under.
  • Landlord: The owner of a multiple dwelling.
  • Window Guard: A safety device installed in windows to prevent children from falling out.
  • Applicable Window: Any window over six feet above ground that can open wide enough for a five-inch diameter ball to pass through.

Installation Requirements

  • Landlord Obligations: Landlords must install and maintain window guards upon request from tenants with children. This includes both individual units and common areas accessible to those tenants.
  • Design and Security: Window guards must be designed to prevent removal without a key or tool, ensuring they remain secure. Guards on windows connected to fire escapes must be easily removable from the inside without tools.

Tenant Rights and Notifications

  • Right to Installation: Tenants with children under ten have the right to request window guards at no additional cost.
  • Notice Requirements: Landlords must inform tenants of their rights regarding window guards at the start of the tenancy and annually thereafter. This notice must be clearly stated in the lease agreement.

Training and Compliance

  • The Department of Public Safety will establish rules for the design, installation, and maintenance of window guards, as well as a training program for landlords and tenants.

Prohibitions

  • Landlords cannot charge additional fees for window guards or discriminate against tenants requesting them.
  • Interference with the installation or removal of window guards by any party is prohibited.

Enforcement

  • The Department will investigate complaints regarding violations of this law and may impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 for non-compliance.

Impact

This legislation primarily affects:
- Tenants with Children: Families living in multiple dwellings will benefit from enhanced safety measures.
- Landlords: They will have new obligations regarding the installation and maintenance of window guards, as well as compliance with notification and training requirements.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was referred to the Housing Committee on February 27, 2025, and has a hearing scheduled for November 19, 2025. This timeline allows for public input and further discussion before any potential vote.

In summary, Bill S 1012 seeks to create safer living environments for families with young children in Massachusetts by mandating the installation of window guards in residential rental properties.

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

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