Windows screwed shut (apartment, construction, bedroom, 5%)

[Debra Pires]

My second floor Windows in my apartment are screwed shut from the outside. There are two full floors in this renovated building below me. There are other units with working windows and screens. I can't get any ventilation in my one bedroom apartment. I have only one exit into a hallway in case of emergency. Is this legal??

[StPaulGal]

Almost certainly not legal.

[Corn-fused]

What does your LL say about the windows being screwed shut? I would think they would resolve that issue if you asked them to.

[pendleton42]

yes not leagl bedroom window are a egress in event of fire and but be a certain size it can be no smaller than

[Ultrarunner]

Windows can be broken to escape.

The purpose is ventilation and typically 5% of the floor area is the minimum open window size for modern construction with 5 square feet being the minimum size.

Note, older homes often had smaller or differently configured windows but HUD requires one openable window OR a second door in each sleeping room... as some may have patio doors.