Windows are usually a standard feature in every building. They provide ventilation, natural light, and aesthetic appeal to our homes. However, these windows can pose a safety risk in multi-story buildings. Therefore, implementing proper window safety measures, such as restrictors, safety locks, and compliance with Australian building standards, can help reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
However, only some states may enforce mandatory window safety laws in Australia, while others rely on general safety principles and building codes. Different legislative requirements for rental properties may also apply to landlords. This guide provides a breakdown of window lock laws in Australia, common compliance issues, and safety tips for strata owners and committees.
The risk of accidental falls increases without proper window locks and safety devices, particularly for children. Therefore, it is important to continually assess any hazards and implement appropriate safety measures to help protect your property against injury claims and incidents.
It is is also especially important for landlords, owners corporations, and body corporates as there is a moral and legal duty of care to all stakeholders of the common property, whether they are owners, contractors, suppliers, employees, tenants, residents, short-term renters or visitors.
Adopting a proactive approach towards managing risks on your property can help prevent incidents and injuries. Below are some common potential hazards to keep an eye out for:
• Low window sill within a child’s room.
• Bunk beds positioned beside windows.
• A cot positioned under a window.
• Windows that don’t open from the top.
• Climbable furniture located near a window.
• Windows that are always kept open
• Heavy furniture stacked against a window
• Wall shelf above a window
• Window being used as a bedhead
• Common stairway window at knee height
To enhance window safety and prevent falls, the National Construction Code (NCC) sets the minimum safety requirements for windows in new residential and commercial buildings across all Australian states and territories. Under these regulations, locks and devices to restrict window openings to a maximum of 125mm and withstand an outward horizontal force of 250 N if the following requirements are met:
If the bedroom window is over 2000 mm above the external ground floor.
If the window is over 4000 mm above the external ground floor.
If the window is less than 1700 mm above the internal floor.
If barriers are less than 865mm below the window.
Although safety locks are recommended as best practices for existing properties, they might not be mandatory, depending on the specific regulations. While the National Construction Code mainly applies to new buildings, these rules can still serve as a helpful guideline to enhance your property’s safety.
As of February 2025, these guidelines are still in effect. However, legislation is dynamic and changes may have occurred since this time. For the most up-to-date information, visit the National Construction Code, at ncc.abcb.gov.au.
Each Australian state has different laws regarding window safety requirements for residential buildings. For example, in NSW, the owners corporations must install window safety devices in certain strata buildings. In other states, general safety obligations exist, but no specific laws require window locks.
This section covers key legislative requirements that owners and owners corporation, or body corporates should consider. Select your state below to find out more.
From 13 March 2018, the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (NSW) requires all windows in strata scheme buildings to be retrofitted with locks, regardless of height. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $550 for owners’ corporations.
Owners corporations must install child-resistant locks or restrictors that limit window openings to 125 mm if it is less than 1700 mm from the floor inside the unit or 2000 mm above the ground externally. Security screens, bars, or grills are accepted if they meet strength and safety standards.
Lot owners are allowed to install window safety devices regardless of their scheme’s by-laws.
Landlords are required to install window locks and safety devices if requested by the tenant.\
Check the NSW Government website for the most up to date information.
Window locks are not mandatory for existing buildings under Queensland laws. However, body corporates have a general duty of care to keep common property safe for all, which may include making necessary upgrades to windows.
• Owners are responsible for windows within their lots, regularly assess risks and implement window safety devices where necessary as best practice.
• Body corporates need to uphold safety obligations on common property windows and manage risks to prevent incidents under the QLD health and safety regulations.
• Since 2024, Minimum Housing Standards have required rental properties to have functioning locks/latches on all accessible external windows and doors.
• The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) recommends compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards (AS5203:2016) for window restrictors.
Although there are no mandatory laws for window locks in Victorian strata schemes, Owners corporations have a duty to keep the common areas safe for all residents, which may include assessing and installing window locks where appropriate.
• Owners corporations need to uphold safety obligations on common property windows and manage risks to prevent incidents under the VIC health and safety regulations.
• Owners are responsible for windows within their individual lots regularly assess risks and implement window safety devices where necessary as best practice.
• Under rental minimum standards, landlords must have working locks or latches on all external windows to prevent external entry into the property.
In the Northern Territory, there are no legal requirements for window locks in strata buildings. However, body corporates still have a general duty of care to keep the common property safe, including assessing and installing window locks where appropriate.
• Owners are responsible for windows within their lots, regularly assess risks and implement window safety devices where necessary as best practice.
• Body corporates need to uphold safety obligations on common property windows and manage risks to prevent incidents under the NT health and safety regulations.
• Landlords are required to provide, maintain, and repair working locks on all doors and windows to keep the rental property reasonably secure in compliance with NT health and safety regulations.
Tasmania has no legal requirements for window locks in strata buildings. However, body corporates still have a general duty of care to keep common property safe, which may involve evaluating and fitting window locks where suitable.
It is important to remember that everyone plays a key role in the upkeep of the property so that it is well-maintained and safe for all residents. However, there are a multitude of factors that may also impact balcony responsibilities within a body corporate and owner corporations.
While body corporates and owners corporation have a significant role in maintaining common property, owners also should take proactive steps to take care of their private balconies, pay any special levies and abide by by-laws or building rules.
• Window safety locks and restrictors should be installed to prevent openings greater than 12.5 cm (a child’s head cannot fit through this gap).
• Devices should be robust, childproof, and designed to withstand applied pressure.
• Window restrictors should not interfere with emergency escape access.
• Owners corporations should schedule regular inspections of window locks and restrictors to ensure they remain functional.
• If locks become faulty, they must be repaired or replaced promptly.
• Encourage lot owners to report any concerns regarding window safety.
• Notify residents about window safety risks, particularly those with young children.
• Encourage using window safety screens, locks, and guards for added security.
• Promote best practices, such as keeping furniture away from windows to prevent children from climbing.
• Don’t navigate safety compliance alone. Bring strata managers or safety assessors to review your building’s compliance and suggest appropriate safety measures.
• If you have concerns about window safety on your property, consult your strata manager or check with your state’s regulatory body for further guidance.
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When it comes to managing a strata property, various compliance or legislative requirements are in place to help protect owners and residents. Installing proper window locks, conducting regular safety checks, and educating residents, strata owners, and committees can reduce risks and create a safer living environment for all occupants.
If you’d like to learn more about building compliance for your strata, owners corporation, or body corporate property, download your free Community Living guide. If you want to learn more about our services, click here for a free assessment.
This article is edited by Lauren Shaw Regional General Manager and Licensee-in-Charge on February 2025.
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