As landlords, we all know the importance of keeping our rental properties safe, compliant, and appealing to tenants. But one area that often gets overlooked is window safety.
Recent figures are a stark reminder: between April 2019 and May 2025, 13 children under the age of 11 tragically died from falls out of windows. And while most landlords think of compliance in terms of gas checks, EPCs, and smoke alarms, windows can present a very real risk in rental homes.
What the law says vs. best practice
Under current regulations, landlords are only legally required to fit restrictors on windows from the second floor upwards unless the sill is 800mm or less from the floor. That means many properties across Cheshire East, Stockport, and South Manchester won’t technically need them.
But here’s the problem: the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) highlights small children as being the highest risk group for window falls. And safety concerns don’t stop there. Tenants and visitors who may be under the influence of alcohol, prescription medication, or even just tired and unsteady on their feet are also at risk.
Why it matters locally
Many rental properties in our area especially the Victorian terraces in Stockport, converted flats in South Manchester, or family homes in Cheshire East, have sash windows, bay windows, or large double glazed openings that can create additional hazards.
And let’s be honest: the last thing any landlord wants is a serious injury or worse on their watch. Beyond the obvious human impact, accidents like these can also trigger claims, disputes, or damage your reputation as a landlord.
Practical steps landlords can take
Even if you’re not legally required to, it makes sense to go beyond the minimum and make your properties as safe as possible. Here are some proactive measures recommended by safety specialists:
- Fit restrictors on every floor – Not just the upper levels. Restrictors help prevent accidental openings while still allowing ventilation.
- Upgrade your hinges – For modern double-glazing, swap to hinges with built-in restrictors.
- Secure sash windows – Use hook-and-pin restrictors (available from places like Screwfix or Toolstation) to stop accidental openings while still giving tenants the option of wide summer ventilation.
- Consider sill height risks – If your window sills are 800mm or lower, remember to factor in beds and furniture. A child climbing onto a bed next to a window suddenly makes that sill much lower in practical terms.
- Use safety glass or bars – This reduces the risk of injury if someone falls against a window and the glass shatters.
- Don’t forget ground floor windows – While the risk of falling is low, restrictors here can improve security while still allowing safe ventilation.
The bottom line for landlords and investors
Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent, it’s about protecting your investment, your tenants, and your reputation. By taking a proactive approach to window safety, landlords across Cheshire East, Stockport, and South Manchester can stay ahead of regulations, reduce risk, and give tenants peace of mind.
If you’re a landlord or buy-to-let investor and you’re not sure whether your rental property is as safe (and compliant) as it should be, now is the time to act.
BOOK YOUR FREE RENTAL SAFETY CHECK TODAY –
I will walk you through where your property stands, highlight any compliance gaps, and give you practical, cost effective steps to protect both your tenants and your investment.
If you’re a landlord or Buy To Let investor in Cheshire East, Stockport or South Manchester, now is the time to act. Don’t wait around for regulations to tighten, or worse, for an accident to happen.
Thanks for reading
Sandie