Landlords face fines in window safety review

Landlords could face fines for failing to safeguard windows under a review of regulations after it emerged that inspectors are powerless to insist landlords install safety catches.

Six toddlers have died in falls from windows in rented accommodation in as many years — with at least two others seriously injured — prompting the country’s only full-time coroner to demand action to prevent further tragedies.

Dublin City Coroner Brian Farrell raised the issue with the Private Residential Tenancies Board, which in turn has formally requested the Department of the Environment to review the regulations governing standards of rental properties.