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Bars on windows if a 1st floor apt

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Bars on windows if a 1st floor apt

Postby hellerls » Tue Apr 23, 2002 4:45 pm

Hi,

I'm about to move into a new apt, and the management company refuses to place bars on the windows, even though it's a ground floor apt facing the street. Is there a law guaranteeing a renter the right to have it?

Thanks
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Re: Bars on windows if a 1st floor apt

Postby TenantNet » Tue Apr 23, 2002 5:11 pm

Every unit must have two means of egress: the door to the hallway and usually the other is a window, which is usually a fire escape. First floor units won't have the fire escape, but they can't have bars unless they are approved by the Fire Dept. (the type you don't need a lock to secure -- they don't want you fumbling looking for keys in all that smoke). You can put your own bars in and the LL usually is not required to do so -- unless you can show it was a required service if the unit is rent stab (and don't count on DHCR to uphold that).
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Re: Bars on windows if a 1st floor apt

Postby marty » Tue Apr 23, 2002 7:51 pm

If you decide to move in. I think it would be a good idea, to take an inventory of your stuff, take plenty of pictures, record serial #'s, reciepts, and to buy renters insurance.
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Re: Bars on windows if a 1st floor apt

Postby Cranky Tenant » Wed Apr 24, 2002 12:30 pm

Generally speaking, ground floor front apartments are probably less likely to be broken into than, say, ground floor rear apartments, or apartments that face a courtyard. Of course this will vary according to the neighborhood and how accessible the windows are. Window bars are something you can take care of, but you might want to consider some of the other things that are beyond your control. Do people like to congregate outside the building? Is there extra heat, noise, or even umes from the boiler? Will you be distrubed by people coming and going at all hours?
I'm a cranky tenant NOT a cranky lawyer.
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