Window safety information

Find important information on window safety, repairs, maintenance and cleaning for your home.

Keeping your windows safe is essential, especially if you have young children at home.

Falls from windows can happen if safety devices aren’t used properly or if windows aren’t checked and defects are not reported.

You should familiarise yourself with how the windows in your home work, and in particular the safety devices that are installed.

Report concerns or repairs

If you need to report a repair to your windows, you don't think the safety devices are working properly, or you have concerns about window safety in your home then call us immediately: 0800 188 4000

If you live in a Swarcliffe PFI area call 0345 366 4403.

For Little London, Beeston Hill & Holbeck PFI areas call 03331 210 074.

For Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) call 0113 378 2188.

Window restrictors

  • Window restrictors are a safety device that prevents the window from opening further than 10cm (4 inches) without being manually released.
  • Most homes over two storeys have window restrictors fitted to opening windows. All high-rise flats over two storeys above ground floor level have restrictors fitted.
  • When opening windows to ventilate your home, always make sure the window restrictor is in place and that it is secure. This will prevent accidental falls and could save lives.
  • If you have to open the window wider than the restricted position, to ventilate a room or clean the windows, then always re-engage the restrictors as soon as you have finished and check they are back in position. If you have key lockable handles then always lock them using the key when the window is closed, and keep the key somewhere safe in case of emergencies, but out of children’s reach.

Never paint over UPVC windows, in particular the handles, hinges and restrictors, as this can prevent them working properly.

Keeping children safe

If young children are living in your home, or visiting, it is important that you:

  • never leave children alone if restrictors are off
  • keep furniture away from windows if you can - especially beds or anything children could climb on
  • always lock windows using the handle when they are closed, and keep keys out of children’s reach
  • check that window restrictors are in place when opening windows for fresh air, and check they’re working properly
  • make sure restrictors are locked back in place after opening windows wider
  • talk about window safety with everyone in your home, including visitors

If you need to open windows to ventilate rooms then use windows which are out of reach of children, and double check that window restrictors are in place and working,

Safe window cleaning

To prevent accidents when cleaning windows:

  • stand firmly on the floor and never stand on a chair or stepladder
  • don’t overreach or lean out of the window. Always keep two feet on the floor if you can or get someone to help you
  • don’t lean against the glass
  • never sit or stand on the window sill or bottom ledge
  • if your window is designed to reverse inwards to allow cleaning the outside pane from inside your home, then make sure it is firmly in position before you clean it and always re-engage the window restrictors afterwards
High-rise residents only

You can find more window safety information specific to the windows in your flat, and other important safety information about your flat and block by signing in to the My High-Rise Building Safety hub.

Saville Green, Appleton Close, Appleton Court and Appleton Square residents only

Important information if you live at the following flat numbers:

  • 18, 19
  • 24, 25
  • 30, 31, 36, 37
  • 42, 43, 48, 49
  • 54, 55
  • 60, 61

Do not try to lean out of your bedroom windows to clean them.

These windows are cleaned by the council's window cleaning contractor.