Does a Bedroom Need a Window? (Ontario Legal & Safety Guide)

Whether you're upgrading your bedroom or planning the layout for a new build, you're probably asking yourself the same question thousands of homeowners have also asked themselves: does a bedroom need a window?

In this article, we'll explain bedroom window requirements outlined in the Ontario Building Code so you can plan your renovation accordingly.

Quick Answer: Does a Bedroom Need a Window?

Yes. In Ontario, a bedroom must have a window for natural light, but it does not always need its own egress window.

The Ontario Building Code requires natural light in all bedrooms, while emergency egress is required per floor level, not necessarily in each bedroom.

Ontario Building Code: Bedroom Requirements

As per the Ontario Building Code:

• A sleeping area or a bedroom must have an area not less than 7 square meters minimum floor area for rooms with no built-in cabinets and not less than 6 square meters for rooms with built-in cabinets (9.5.7.1).
• A bedroom must have a ceiling height of at least 2,300 mm over at least 50% of the required area or 2,100 mm over all of the required floor area (9.5.3.1).
• Every room used for sleeping in any building must have windows (3.7.2.1).
• A bedroom must access to natural light through unobstructed glazing area that represents 5% of the area served (9.7.2.3).
• A bedroom must have either natural ventilation means provided by an unobstructed openable ventilation area of a minimum of 0.28 square meters per room or mechanical ventilation (9.32.1.3; 9.32.2.1).
• Every floor level with a bedroom in a suite must have at least one window that serves as an egress unless there is a door on the same floor level as the bedroom that provides direct access to the exterior (9.9.10.1).

Does A Bedroom Need a Window for Egress?

So, is a window required in a bedroom for egress, as per the Ontario Building Code? A bedroom itself does not automatically need its own window for egress. Instead, each floor level of a suite that contains a bedroom must have at least one means of emergency escape, which can be:

1. A door on that same floor level that provides direct access to the exterior, or
2. At least one outside (egress) window on that floor level

Real-Life Examples for Bedroom Egress Windows Ontario

Here are some examples that can help you understand all of these details better.

Basement bedroom:

• If the basement has a door that exits directly outdoors → an egress window is not required.
• If there is no exterior door → at least one code-compliant egress window is required.

Second-floor bedroom:

• Typically, no exterior door on that floor → an exterior egress window is required on that floor, not specifically in the bedroom.

Main-floor bedroom:

• If the main floor has a door that exits directly outside → an egress window may not be required.
• If not → an egress window is required.

Mezzanine bedroom:

• If a live/work unit has a small, open mezzanine used for sleeping, the required window does not have to be on the mezzanine itself. It can be on the main floor, as long as the mezzanine is very open, small in size, and there is an unobstructed direct path to the window (see OBC, section 9.9.19.1 (4) for specific requirements).

Bedroom Egress Window Requirements

As per the Ontario Building Code, a bedroom window that serves as egress must:

• Be easily accessible
• Have a straightforward opening mechanism; the window must be openable from the inside easily, without the use of tools or the need for special knowledge.
• Provide an unobstructed opening of a minimum area of 0.35 square meters.
• Have no dimension less than 380 mm
• Maintain the required opening without additional support
• Have a maximum sill height of 1,000 mm above the floor (except for basement areas)
• Open into a window well that has a clearance of at least 550 mm (for basement windows)
• Have a window well large enough that it does not reduce the window clearance if the sash swings towards the window well.
• Have an easily openable window well protective enclosure

Keep in mind that if the egress window is a sliding window or a double-hung window, the egress requirements apply only to the openable portion of the window (see more details below).

Does a Bedroom Need a Window For Natural Light?

A bedroom needs access to adequate natural light through an unobstructed glazing area, as per the Ontario Building Code. In other words, even if you don't need an egress window in a basement, you might still need a glass area that represents 5% of the area served. This applies to basement bedrooms as well.

However, it is important to confirm local regulations as well because the OBC does not specify that windows must be on exterior walls. For example, as per the City of Burlington's Building Department, a bedroom does not necessarily need an exterior window for natural light as long as it receives indirect natural light and views through an interior wall opening to an adjacent room with exterior windows.

Does a Bedroom Need a Window for Natural Ventilation?

No, a bedroom does not need a window for natural ventilation, as per the Ontario Building Code. A bedroom can have a window that meets the requirements for natural ventilation, but mechanical ventilation is allowed as well. If you do want to install a bedroom window for natural ventilation, its unobstructed open portion must measure at least 0.28 square meters per room.

National Building Code of Canada vs Ontario Building Code

According to the National Building Code of Canada, if the dwelling unit is not sprinklered, every bedroom must have its own direct opening to the outdoors, either a window or a door, that can be opened easily in an emergency.

This differs radically from the requirements of the Ontario Building Code, which is why it's important to check local building codes before planning any upgrades.

Here are the main differences between the NBCC and the OBC in terms of bedroom window requirements:

Examples of Egress Windows that Can be Installed in a Bedroom

Here are some examples of egress windows that can be installed in a bedroom:

• A casement window that measures 600 mm x 1,000 mm and has an area of roughly 0.6 square meters
• A single-hung or double-hung window that measures 900 mm by 900 mm, with the opening area representing half of the window's height
• A sliding window that measures 1,200 mm x 700 mm and has an unobstructed clear opening of 0.42 sq m, with only half of the opening being used as egress.

Windows That Do Not Qualify As Egress in Bedrooms

Here are the windows that cannot be used as egress in bedrooms:

• Hopper windows and awning windows, as they open only up to a 45-degree angle
• Sliding windows that measure, for example, 900 mm x 600 mm - only half of the opening qualifies as egress and it is too small
• Fixed and picture windows
• Casement windows that measure 380 mm x 380 mm; even if they meet the minimum dimension requirements, they do not meet the minimum area requirements

Why Are Windows Important in Bedrooms Beyond Code Requirements?

While building codes set the legal minimum size requirements, bedroom windows are usually installed in bedrooms primarily for practical and health-related reasons:

Natural Light for Physical and Mental Health

Natural light regulates your circadian rhythm, improves your mood, and boosts your focus. A well-lit bedroom can improve sleep quality and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Furthermore, the absence of natural light in windowless rooms has been associated with increased levels of stress. On that account, natural light and exposure to natural environments through windows can also have a positive impact on one's mental health.

And let's not forget that sunlight and natural ventilation can help reduce the growth of dust mites and bacteria in bedding.

Air Quality and Ventilation

Windows provide both natural light and ventilation. Even if mechanical ventilation is allowed, windows provide a natural method to refresh indoor air, remove odors, and reduce humidity. This is especially important in basements or rooms prone to dampness.

Moreover, sleep quality can significantly improve with cooler temperatures and fresh air coming from windows, not to mention that adequate ventilation reduces carbon dioxide levels in houses.

Aesthetic and Value

Windows enhance the perception of space, making rooms feel larger and more inviting. Homes with bright, airy bedrooms tend to have higher resale value.

Energy Efficiency

Properly placed and sized windows can contribute to passive solar heating, reduce electricity costs, and improve overall energy efficiency.

Consequences of Not Meeting Building Code Requirements

Failing to comply with Ontario Building Code window requirements can have serious implications, including:

• Legal and compliance issues. Non-compliant bedrooms may fail building inspections, leading to fines, orders to renovate, or denial of permits for other work.
• Safety risks. Bedrooms without proper egress windows or ventilation pose hazards in emergencies, including fire or carbon monoxide incidents.
• Insurance implications. Some insurance policies may not cover incidents in rooms that do not meet code requirements, especially in rental properties.
• Resale value. Bedrooms that don’t meet code may not count as legal bedrooms, reducing property value and complicating home sales.
• Occupant comfort. Lack of natural light and proper ventilation can result in dampness, mold growth, and poor air quality, affecting both your health and comfort.

Tips for Basement Bedrooms

It can be quite challenging to design and build a bedroom in a basement. If this is what you're dealing with right now, here are some tips that may help you:

• If the basement does not have a door to the outside, an egress window is mandatory. Ensure it meets size and sill height requirements (minimum 0.35 m² opening, sill ≤ 1,000 mm).
• Install a code-compliant window well with at least 550 mm of clearance to allow easy escape. Protective enclosures can prevent accidents.
• Consider installing windows with slim frames, such as those from Magic, to maximize natural light. Vinyl frames, for example, are bulky and cut from the glazing area.
• Position the bed and furniture so the window is accessible in emergencies. Avoid blocking the egress path with storage or obstacles.
• Always confirm that basement bedrooms meet OBC standards and obtain required permits before construction or renovation.

Checklist for Compliant Bedroom Windows (Ontario)

Use this checklist to ensure that bedrooms meet Ontario Building Code requirements:

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FAQs

Is it okay to have a bedroom without windows?

No, it is generally not okay to have a bedroom without windows. According to the Ontario Building Code Section 9.7.2.3, every bedroom must have windows with a minimum of 5% unobstructed glass area of the floor area served. However, in some regions, it might be accepted to achieve this through interior windows that provide "burrowed light" from adjacent rooms with exterior windows, but it must be approved by the local building department.

In Ontario, you do not automatically need an egress window in the bedroom if there is another means of egress on the same floor level. For example, if the bedroom has a door with direct access to the outdoors or if there is an egress window on the same floor, your bedroom does not need an egress window.

Do you have to have a window in a bedroom in Canada?

Yes, bedrooms in Canada generally must have windows, but the specific requirements differ between local and provincial codes. The National Building Code of Canada requires at least one egress window (emergency escape window) in every bedroom, unless the dwelling has fire sprinklers or the bedroom has a door with direct access to the outdoors. The Ontario Building Code specifically requires one egress window per floor level (not per bedroom).

Additionally, all bedrooms must comply with natural light requirements; a minimum of 5% of the floor area served must be unobstructed glass, which can sometimes be satisfied through interior windows providing borrowed light (must be confirmed with local requirements).

What is the code for a bedroom in Ontario?

The Ontario Building Code specifies minimum bedroom size (6-7 m²), ceiling height (2,100-2,300 mm), minimum natural ventilation area of 0.28 sq m per room or mechanical ventilation, minimum glass area (5% of floor area served), and at least one egress route per floor level containing a bedroom.

Is it legal to have a bedroom without a window in Ontario?

No, a bedroom without a window is not fully legal in Ontario as per Ontario Building Code requirements. The Ontario Building Code requires unobstructed glazing area to provide natural light. Even if egress and ventilation are met through doors or mechanical systems, natural light is mandatory for code compliance. However, the OBC does not include specifications on how to achieve natural light, meaning it does not specify that the unobstructed glazing area must be on exterior walls. Because of this, in some regions, it might be permitted to have interior windows, but this must be confirmed with local building departments.

How much does an egress window cost?

An egress window costs between $2,000 and $5,000+, including the window well excavation and drainage system (for basement bedrooms) and professional installation, which is essential for egress windows.

What are the psychological effects of windowless rooms?

Studies show that people who work in windowless rooms experience negative emotions more frequently and a high level of stress. This is linked to the absence of sunlight and isolation from the natural environment.

Is it a fire hazard to not have a window in a bedroom?

It can be a fire hazard if there is no code-compliant means of emergency egress on the same floor level as the bedroom. While many people associate fire safety with bedroom windows, some building codes, including the Ontario Building Code, do not require an egress window in every bedroom. Instead, they require at least one means of emergency escape per floor level, which can be either an exterior door or an egress window.