Windows

Who is Responsible for Installing Insect Screens?

Hi, I just moved into an apartment with large floor to ceiling sliding windows in Brooklyn. However, none of the windows have insect screens and we’re having big issues with mosquitoes, roaches, and flies entering the apartment through the windows. In NYC, are landlords responsible for providing insect screens? Or do tenants need to pay…

by housieQ
09/08/2010

Hi,
I just moved into an apartment with large floor to ceiling sliding windows in Brooklyn. However, none of the windows have insect screens and we’re having big issues with mosquitoes, roaches, and flies entering the apartment through the windows.

In NYC, are landlords responsible for providing insect screens? Or do tenants need to pay for them? The sliding windows are huge, so I am concerned about the cost…..

I was unable to find any documentation on tenant rights regarding this issue. Any advice would be helpful!

Thanks,

Windows

Comments

  1. wyckoff — i’m in the cobble hill district and my LL just had new front windows put on. she also said that the LPC won’t allow built-in screens in the window.

    so what everyone does instead is get cheap, ugly adjustable screens to put in their windows.

    it’s so absurd. a built-in screen would look much better.

  2. If your building is in a Landmark neighborhood like BH, and the windows in question are in the front of the house, and they are relatively new, LPC would have prohibited your LL from installing windows with screens. Totally insane, but true.

  3. I just heard back from the NYC Rent Guidelines Board and they confirmed that insect screens are not part of the LL’s responsibility.

    Insect extermination gets so much attention, but the most simple prevention is ignored…Seems to represent our society.

    I will bring this up to my LL. I’m sure we’re not the only ones having bug problems, but I will look into one of those retractable screens or sheer curtains. Thanks everyone!

  5. Sounds to me that you moved into an apartment in a new construction building. Reason I bring this up, approx 5 years ago during the housing frenzy, went to a condo loft open house new construction meet & greet yadda yadda. I told the agent that I was concerned that there were no screens on the windows. NOT even huge floor to ceiling ones as you describe. She gave me this look and this attitude, make a comment along the lines of “…screens aren’t required by law…” I kind of gave that Co****on agent attitude back, in the form of, If I’m gonna drop all this money on an Apt, it BETTER keep the damn bugs out! Sad oversight in alot of new construction.

  8. if it’s not in your lease you could still talk to LL about it, never hurts to ask

    I’ve seen people hang window screen like a curtain. Maybe this is inexpensive way to handle if no cooperation from the LL

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