Annual Notice at a glance
What it is: The Annual Notice, Protect Your Child From Lead Poisoning and Window Falls, is a form for use as of January 1, 2026, from a Landlord/Building Owner to a Tenant.
Where and when to file: Deadline for return: February 15, 2026. Return form to building owner or managing agent.
Who signs: Sign on the Signature line and enter the Date and Telephone Number.
Peeling Lead Paint: These notice and inspection requirements apply to buildings with rental units built before 1960. They also apply to such buildings built between 1960 and 1978 if the building owner knows that lead paint is present. Window Guards: These requirements apply to all buildings with three or more apartments, regardless of when they were built.
A filled-in Annual Notice example: a tenant with a young child returns the notice
How to fill out Annual Notice, box by box
Please check all boxes that apply
Please check all boxes that apply:
Check the box for a child 5 years or younger who lives in or routinely spends 10 or more hours each week in your home or apartment.
A child 10 years or younger lives in my home and:
If a child 10 years or younger lives in your home, check the box for that and then Window guards are installed in all windows as required, Window guards need repair, or Window guards are NOT installed in all windows as required.
By law, your building owner is required to install window guards and/or limiting devices in all your windows if a child 10 years or younger resides with you or routinely spends 10 or more hours each week in your home, OR if you request window guards (even if no children live with you).
Window guards must be installed so there is no space greater than 4½ inches over or under the guard, on the side of the guard, or between the bars.
ONLY windows that open to fire escapes, and one window in each first-floor apartment when there is a fire escape on the outside of the building, are legally exempt from this requirement.
No child 10 years or younger lives in my home:
If no child 10 years or younger lives in your home, check the box for that and then, if they apply, I want window guards installed anyway or I have window guards, but they need repair.
Your name, address and signature
Enter your Last Name, First Name and Middle Initial.
Enter your Street Address, Apt.#, City, State and ZIP Code.
Sign on the Signature line and enter the Date and Telephone Number.
More rules for Annual Notice
If you do not return this form, your Building owner/manager must visit your home to determine if a child resides in your home.
You must notify your building owner/manager in writing if a child 5 years or younger comes to live with you during the year or routinely spends 10 or more hours each week in your home.
By law, your Building owner is required to inspect your home for peeling paint and other lead paint hazards at least once a year if a child 5 years or younger lives with you or routinely spends 10 or more hours each week in your home. They must provide you with the results of the inspection and must use safe work practices to repair all peeling paint and other lead paint hazards.
Always report peeling paint to your building owner. Call 311 if your building owner does not respond or if the repair work is creating dust to which you are exposed.
Common questions about Annual Notice
Can you refuse window guards in NYC?
It is against the law for you to interfere with installation or remove window guards where they are required. Air conditioners in windows must be permanently installed.
Is there a deadline?
New York City law requires that tenants living in buildings with rental units complete this form and return it to their Building owner/manager before February 15, each year.
Where do I file it?
Fill out and detach the bottom part of this form and return it to your landlord.
Where to get help with Annual Notice
Call 311 for more information about preventing lead poisoning and window falls.
Sources
[1] Protect Your Child From Lead Poisoning and Window Falls Annual Notice (Approved 08/13/2025), New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (the Official source link on this page).
