Bedroom Talk

Does a bedroom have to have a window in PA?

I live in an apartment that was listed as a 2 bedroom. One of the bedrooms does not have a window. Is there supposed to be a window for emergencies or ventilation? Does anyone know the laws for this sort of thing?

Public Comments

1. it is not consider a bedroom unless it has a window. by law it has to and you have to be able to get out of it
2. You do need to have ventalation in a beedroom. But more important you need egress. At least one window in each bedroom must be of sufficient size to permit the occupants to escape a fire and also to allow a fully outfitted firefighter to enter. An egress window must satisfy all four Internatioinal Residential Code (IRC) criteria: Minimum width of opening: 20 in. Minimum height of opening: 24 in. Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. for ground floor). Maximum sill height above floor: 44 in. So if it doesn't ahve this it's not a bedroom. A simple call to your local bulding department can confirm this.
3. Well, I don't know about in PA, but here in Canada, you can't rent a bedroom that doesn't have a window. It's against the law totally, as it's impossible to get out of the room in case of a fire. So... if you don't want to live there anymore, you need to contact your local building inspectors and have them inform you in writing that the room is NOT considered a bedroom and is in fact DANGEROUS.. Then break your lease and find yourself an appartment where the landlord doesn't like money more than life itself... If there were a fire, then you would likely be trapped and die....
4. No window...not a bedroom by Pennsylvania Code. A bedroom must have a window that permits egress of at least 24 inches.
5. to be considered a bedroom in PA, a room has to have a window that is big enough that you could escape out of in case of emergency, and also a closet