Quebec's Windowless Bedroom Law: What You Need To Know

If you're considering renting a bedroom in Quebec, you may be wondering if it's a requirement for the room to have a window. This is an important question, as the presence of a window can impact the safety and comfort of the occupant. In Quebec, the placement of windows is governed by the Civil Code of Quebec, which includes rules to protect the privacy of residents. While these rules dictate the distance between windows and the neighbouring property, they do not specify whether a bedroom must have a window. However, in the case of basement bedrooms, specific regulations come into play to ensure safety in the event of an emergency. According to the National Building Code of Canada, every room in a basement must have at least one outside window or egress window unless there is a sprinkler system or a door leading directly outside.

Quebec's Civil Code contains rules for window placement to prevent direct views into neighbouring properties

Under these rules, you cannot have "direct views", i.e., windows or doors with transparent glass, less than 1.5 metres from the dividing line between your property and your neighbour's property. This rule ensures that residents feel safe and secure in their homes, without the worry of being constantly observed by those living nearby. This regulation promotes a sense of privacy and comfort within one's own home. This rule does not apply to openings onto public roads or public parks, or to solid doors or doors with translucent glass, where objects cannot be clearly distinguished.

Additionally, the CCQ outlines that a person who co-owns a dividing wall cannot make an opening in that wall without the other co-owner's permission. This rule promotes harmony and consensus between neighbours, ensuring that any changes to shared walls are mutually agreed upon.

It's important to note that each municipality or borough in Quebec may have its own specific guidelines and regulations regarding window placement and building projects. Therefore, it's advisable to inquire with your local municipality and obtain the necessary permits before initiating any renovations or construction projects.

While the CCQ provides privacy protections for residents, it also ensures that natural lighting and ventilation are not compromised. Even though there is a right to design a windowless room, it is crucial to conform to regulations regarding natural lighting and ventilation for the safety and well-being of occupants.

Bedrooms in Quebec must have windows that are at least 0.35 m² (3.77 sq ft) in area

In Quebec, windows are an important aspect of any building, as they contribute to natural lighting, ventilation, and the safety of occupants. While the provincial Construction Code may allow for some leniency in window placement and room design, adhering to regulations is crucial.

In addition to the minimum area, the NBCC specifies that no dimension of the window, either horizontal or vertical, can be less than 380 mm (15 inches). This rule ensures that occupants can easily exit or enter through the window in case of an emergency. Furthermore, it is recommended that the sill (bottom) of the window be no higher than 1.5 m above the floor. This height ensures that individuals can access the window without difficulty.

If the bedroom is in the basement, additional safety measures must be considered. In the absence of a sprinkler system or a door leading directly outside, the window must comply with the aforementioned size and placement regulations. It must also be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. This is crucial for a swift escape during emergencies.

To further enhance safety, any security devices, such as bars or grilles, must be easily operable from the inside by all household members. These devices should not require keys or be anchored to the building, as this could hinder a quick escape. Additionally, it is advised to regularly clear snow from around basement windows to ensure they remain accessible.

No window dimension can be less than 380 mm (15 inches)

In Quebec, the placement of windows is governed by the Civil Code of Québec, which includes rules to ensure the safety of occupants and prevent "direct views" from neighbouring properties. While the provincial Construction Code does allow for the design of windowless rooms, there are still guidelines and regulations that must be followed regarding natural lighting and ventilation.

For rooms in the basement, specific regulations are in place to ensure compliance with security standards for emergency evacuation. Unless the bedroom has a direct exit to the outside or the basement is equipped with a sprinkler system, windows must be installed that are large enough for an adult to crawl through—with no window dimension being less than 380 mm or 15 inches. This is to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, occupants can escape and first responders can enter the property with ease.

The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) sets out the minimum requirements for window dimensions, which some municipalities in Quebec may have stricter requirements than. It is important to check with your local bylaws to ensure compliance. The NBCC requires a minimum window area of 0.35 m² (3.77 sq ft), with no dimension being less than 15 inches. This regulation is in place to ensure that windows are large enough to serve as a means of escape in an emergency.

In addition to window size, other factors must be considered to ensure compliance with safety standards. Any security devices, such as bars or grilles, must be easily openable from the inside without the use of keys or tools. This is to ensure that occupants can escape and first responders can enter the property without obstruction. Regular maintenance, such as clearing snow from around basement egress windows, is also important to maintain the functionality of emergency exits.

It is worth noting that the overall glass surface of windows must not exceed a certain percentage to limit the risk of fires spreading. In a home, 10% of the wall space in every room must be occupied by windows, except for bedrooms, which only require 5%. Kitchens and bathrooms may be exempt from this rule if a ventilation apparatus is installed.

The sill of the window should be no more than 1.5 m above the floor

In Quebec, windows are an important consideration when designing or renovating a home, as they play a significant role in natural lighting, ventilation, and safety. While the provincial Construction Code allows for the design of windowless rooms, it is crucial to adhere to regulations regarding natural lighting and ventilation for the safety of the occupants.

One critical aspect of window placement is ensuring adequate egress in case of an emergency. In the province of Quebec, every room must have at least one outside window or "egress window" to enable a rapid escape or rescue if the normal exits are inaccessible. This is especially important for basement bedrooms, where an alternative exit may not be readily available.

The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) sets specific requirements for these egress windows. Firstly, the minimum area should be 0.35 m² (3.77 sq ft), and no dimension should be less than 380 mm (15 inches). Additionally, the sill (bottom) of the window should ideally be no more than 1.5 m above the floor to facilitate easy escape. If this height is not achievable, it is recommended to install a piece of furniture below the window to make it more accessible. This furniture should be fairly low and securely fixed to the wall or built-in to ensure stability.

It is worth noting that some municipalities in Quebec may have stricter requirements for window dimensions and placement. Therefore, it is essential to check the local bylaws and guidelines before proceeding with any construction or renovation work.

Furthermore, any security devices, such as bars or grilles, must be easily openable from the inside by all household members at all times. These devices should not be anchored to the building or locked with a key, as they could hinder an emergency escape.

If the bedroom is in a basement, the window must open to the outside

If you're planning to convert your basement into a bedroom, it's important to consider more than just aesthetics and comfort. Safety must be a top priority, and that includes planning for emergency exits in case of a fire or other dangers. Here are some guidelines to follow to ensure your basement bedroom complies with Quebec's regulations:

The Window as an Emergency Exit

If the bedroom is in the basement, it must have an outside window or "egress window" unless there is a door leading directly outside or a sprinkler system installed. This window serves as an emergency exit and must meet specific requirements:

• It must be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. This enables a quick escape or rescue if the normal exits are blocked.
• The minimum window area should be 0.35 m² (3.77 sq ft), with no dimension less than 380 mm (15 inches). Some municipalities in Quebec have stricter rules, so it's best to check with your local bylaws.
• The sill (bottom) of the window should ideally be no higher than 1.5 metres (59 inches) above the floor. If this isn't possible, install a piece of furniture below the window to assist escape. The furniture should be low, fixed to the wall, or built-in.
• If the window opens outward, such as an awning window, ensure it doesn't reduce the clearance in front of the window. There should be at least 760 mm (30 inches) of clearance, but some municipalities may require more.
• Sliding windows with sashes that can be easily removed from the inside are recommended.
• Any security devices, such as bars or grilles, must be easily openable from the inside by any household member at all times. These devices should not be anchored to the building or locked with a key, as this could hinder an emergency escape.

Additional Safety Measures

Beyond the window requirements, there are other important safety measures to consider:

• Install a smoke detector in the basement and on every floor of your home. Choose a model connected to the electrical system with a backup battery.
• Keep a portable fire extinguisher in the basement, preferably an ABC-rated one certified by Underwriters Laboratories (ULC in Canada, UL in the US). This will help clear an escape path through the flames if needed.
• Regularly clear snow from around basement egress windows to ensure they are accessible.
• Educate all household members about escaping through the window in an emergency. Conduct periodic safety drills to reinforce this knowledge.
• If the window opens into a window well or skylight, consult a professional as particular regulations may apply.

Frequently asked questions