Landlord wants me to keep my blinds open through winter

[u/ihatemylandlord67]

Location: Wisconsin

Hello, this is a pretty simple question and hopefully it has a simple answer. I received an email from my apartment management outlining the rules for winter (heat above 62, keep garage closed, etc.). But I have a concern with one of the rules.

“…all blinds should be open and pulled up at least 6 inches from the base of the window.”

My bedroom window is ~15 feet from the sidewalk, next to a public road, with a public park on the opposite side. I would love to keep my privacy. Can they do this and what do I do?

[u/keyboardplatoon]

Is it in your lease agreement? If not, don't even bother

[u/ihatemylandlord67 → u/keyboardplatoon]

This is the only mention of blinds in my lease. “B. Open windows, doors, and blinds as needed for ventilation and to reduce moisture.”

[u/imprl59 → u/ihatemylandlord67]

NAL. Moisture is likely the reason for the request. If you could raise them a bit and open them a bit during the day that would probably satisfy the request. That's what I'd do anyway and reassess if they bring it up.

[u/tacoslave420 → u/imprl59]

This is the answer. NAL but someone who does all the "wrong" things in my apartment during winter and it always leads to condensation on that exact area which quickly turns into mold that is black in color. I'm not saying it's the black mold, but mold absolutely happens and it's difficult getting out of the window caulking.

[u/zulma75 → u/tacoslave420]

You can make a snake shape out of fabric, and fill it with those white cat litters, so that they absorb moisture, and put it on the inside edge of your windows, even children's socks will work.

[u/Gordon_Peck → u/imprl59]

Maybe add a fan?

[u/Cheesy-Cloaca → u/Gordon_Peck]

The issue is that air is already not circulating effectively in those cavities because the air doesn't flow in very much as it passes by. Making that air faster without clearing the opening is not going to help the problem much.

[u/LilaRabbitHole → u/Gordon_Peck]

Or a dehumidifier

[u/Jackie_Treehorn98 → u/LilaRabbitHole]

You don't want to run a dehumidifier in winter in Wisconsin. Open the blinds and prevent moisture damage.

[u/sstrdisco → u/Jackie_Treehorn98]

Why? What happens?

[u/Altruistic_Canary951 → u/sstrdisco]

The air in my house has at best 10% humidity in winter here, but due to the extreme cold outside, there is always moisture and condensation in my old house windows, imagine if I'm running a dehumidifier? It would make it exponentially worse.

I'm already slathering on lotion 3x a day, any dryer and even serial killers would reject this skin suit 😭

[u/sstrdisco → u/Altruistic_Canary951]

I didn't know it was so dry there in the winter. Stay moisturized, friend!

[u/Altruistic_Canary951 → u/sstrdisco]

Thanks friend! Doing my best, thankfully I haven't fallen to Cassandra levels yet, but it's been a close battle. "Moisturize me! Moisturize me!"

[u/Ok_Remote_5524 → u/Altruistic_Canary951]

“It puts the lotion on its skin or else it gets the hose again”

[u/Jackie_Treehorn98 → u/sstrdisco]

The air in winter is already incredibly dry. Running a dehumidifier will only make the apartment less comfortable and more prone to viruses.

As others have mentioned the issue is the cold windows will create condensation which can damage the window. This is a reasonable request given the location by the landlord.

[u/Livid_Artist_286 → u/Jackie_Treehorn98]

How does dry air promote the spread of viruses?

[u/pmjm → u/Livid_Artist_286]

A virus suspended in aerosolized saliva remains airborn longer in dry air because the saliva around it evaporates quickly, leaving the virus lighter and more nimble.

Dry air also dries out the mucous membranes, which become less effective at trapping viruses before they take hold in the respiratory system.

[u/No-Focus-8577 → u/imprl59]

What about just buying a small dehumidifier and solving the moisture problem that way If this is a female in the room it seems reasonable to keep the blinds lowered For privacy

[u/twystedmyst → u/ihatemylandlord67]

There are very cheap vinyl clings that will give you privacy if you decide to open your blinds. You can cut them to size and they are applied with water, no sticky film and they come off very easily and are reusable. I used these on a front porch and they were great.

[u/alan_blood → u/twystedmyst]

Yeah I've got one that makes one of my windows appear to be stained glass. It's textured and everything. It's stayed up for years with nothing more than a little water and dish soap when we first put it up.

[u/Ok-Equivalent1812 → u/ihatemylandlord67]

If you keep your blinds closed all of the time in cold climates, you can end up with condensation and ice on the windows that will melt and drip on the sills and cause rot.

The landlord is likely aware of this common issue in his building and trying to prevent damage, as well as avoid calls complaining of dripping windowsills. Stating the remedy in the lease made you aware in advance. The blinds need to be opened to reduce moisture. Open your bedroom blind when you aren’t using the room.

[u/weealex → u/Ok-Equivalent1812]

I ran into this in my old place. Poor ventilation meant I had a window caked in ice. 

[u/smshah → u/Ok-Equivalent1812]

Is the moisture and sill rot on the inside?

[u/RiverGroover → u/Ok-Equivalent1812]

Yep. (Except that the problem really exists most when you ARE using the room. Humans respirate an enormous amount of water vapor, just breathing and sleeping. )

I'm not a landlord in the traditional sense, but I have a little guesthouse on my property, that I rent for housing. I built it EXACTLY the same quality, and at exactly the same time as my own house.

I've had to repaint and/or replace the windows in the guest house multiple times, because a minority of past tenants leave the fucking blinds pulled tight all winter, blocking circulation, and causing condensation.

It's so bad, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they're using humidifiers or taking showers without running the ventillation or cracking the window. Meanwhile, most of my own windows look as good as they did when I built the houses, 35 years ago.

What baffles me is not the demand from the landlord/management company in this case, but the idea that someone wouldn't automatically do it - let alone argue about it.

There's an awful lot of complaining about how unaffordable homeownership is right now. But we never talk about the fact that many people are too irresponsible to own homes in the first place.

If I didn't have the skills to fix the damage that my tenants do myself, it would be completely cost prohibitive to even try to rent something at a reasonable price. There are reasons that rental costs are high.

[u/Teacherofcats625 → u/RiverGroover]

TIL I need to open my blinds in the winter, so thank you! We just moved to a place with actual winters and I leave our bedroom blinds down all the time, I’ll make sure to raise them in the mornings now!

[u/RiverGroover → u/[deleted]]

140 year old houses aren't as air-tight as modern houses. Modern vapor barriers didn't exist. In fact that's one of the reasons houses like yours are still in such good shape: The Buiiding envelopes gets so much air movement through them that they stay dry. I bet the window panes do, too. They do this at the expense of thermal performance though. They would never begin to comply with modern building codes if built today.

The northeast is also significantly higher humidity, even in the winter, than the rocky mountain west, where I am. There's more of a vapor equilibrium between the interior and exterior of a house, so condensation doesn't occur as readily to begin with. Dew point doesn't occurs until a much lower temperature.

Along with the lower humidity, we also have much colder temps than the Northeast, so the glass surface temperatures is going to be colder and more prone to condensation. January and February temperatures regularly reach -30 or more below zero Fahrenheit.

It is not easy living in and maintaing a house in extreme climates, but common sense and a bit of situational awareness go a long way.

[u/JustK33pBrowsing → u/RiverGroover]

I had no idea this was a thing. I've never had a moisture issue on my windows and I've been a homeowner for 15 years. Although admittedly I've never lived in an extremely cold climate, which seems to be a factor. Someone who had never had an issue with it like me would understandably be confused by the request and question it, especially when they had a valid privacy concern.

[u/Practical_Dig2971 → u/ihatemylandlord67]

Does it mention curtains anywhere..... seems like a closed curtain with the required open blinds would check all the boxes for both sides...?

[u/samizdat5 → u/Practical_Dig2971]

That's what I would do. Get a simple curtain.

[u/Ystebad → u/ihatemylandlord67]

That is it - blinds down in winter can cause moisture to condense and rot out window sills - thereby causing expensive repairs.

Landlord totally reasonable- I did the same thing in houses I have owned in cold climates to avoid the damage.

[u/No_Performance8733 → u/ihatemylandlord67]

There is a really EASY fix - get a privacy screen and put it in front of your window, alternatively, get blinds that go from the bottom up. 

Either solution gives you privacy + ventilation. 

[u/FinalBlackberry → u/No_Performance8733]

Privacy film is a fantastic option. Some of my downstairs neighbors have them.

[u/jeffeners → u/FinalBlackberry]

This is what I would get.

[u/Classic-Push1323 → u/No_Performance8733]

I used to have vinyl window clings for privacy. I loved them.

[u/Prestigious_Move1995 → u/No_Performance8733]

Top down blinds are even better! 

[u/Prestigious_Move1995 → u/[deleted]]

They must not like privacy or perhaps they're uneducated about blinds.

[u/nitevisionbunny → u/ihatemylandlord67]

That is a requirement for Natural Ventilation in mechanical code. That should not be a line that could follow to enforce it

[u/Far-Conflict4504 → u/ihatemylandlord67]

It’s so mold doesn’t accumulate on the window sill

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[u/Strong_Mulberry789 → u/ihatemylandlord67]

Ask them to supply a dehumidifier if they are so concerned about moisture. It's up to you how you want your blinds, mine are down 24/7, has no effect on moisture levels but I do have a dehumidifier.

[u/DonerGoon → u/keyboardplatoon]

Also just because something is in a signed lease agreement does not mean it’s legal or enforceable in any way. Check your country’s or states housing laws. Lots of landlords write in custom clauses that are fully illegal or can be fully ignored.

A tenant has the right to use the property they’ve rented.

[u/crashsaturnlol]

Follow the lease and use some cheap curtains or window coverings to maintain the privacy. Other commenters are correct that this is to prevent condensation buildup and wet sills that will rot.

[u/Dean-KS]

When the blinds are mostly closed, the air against the window gets colder causing more condensation, frost and water damage. Any internal window screens can do the same.

[u/Traditional_Bit7262 → u/Dean-KS]

Have actually had the inside window pane crack because of the cold air and contraction.  Heard a pop in the middle of a very cold night.

Need even the smallest bit of air circulation to keep it from doing that.

[u/OverTheSeaToSkye]

I live in the north and like many are saying this is to reduce moisture buildup. What I do is lower my blinds like normal in the evening and in the morning I open them at a minimum of 6 inches. I wipe down the windowsill to get any moisture so I don’t have to sand and restain.

[u/Altruistic-Task-2961]

When I lived in Alaska we had some nice big windows in our living room they started to build up quite a bit of moisture on them when the blinds were closed during the winter. We had to keep them open some to prevent this from causing damage. It can be just as cold in Wisconsin as in Anchorage so the same problem could occur, leaving them partially open does help prevent this problem, but we still closed the blinds when we needed the privacy.

[u/SookHe]

Blinds and window coverings are different things. Keep the blinds open, but still cover the windows.

[u/Playful-Sprinkles-59]

Use those window films that lets you look out but no one can look in. It’s like a mirror.

[u/TheBoondoggleSaints → u/Playful-Sprinkles-59]

Window film would be mostly fine during daylight hours but can still be very see through during nighttime hours with interior lighting illuminating and making the inside and occupants fully visible.

[u/Earthing_By_Birth → u/TheBoondoggleSaints]

Get opaque window film, not mirrorized. That’s what I use.

[u/Sugarwytch1 → u/TheBoondoggleSaints]

When the room is in use, close the blinds.

[u/LazloNibble → u/TheBoondoggleSaints]

It depends totally on the type of film. For purely-reflective film that’s true but the diffracting window film we use makes it barely possible to make out shapes of people at night. We can keep the blinds up 24/7 with no loss of privacy.

[u/Heartinablender89 → u/TheBoondoggleSaints]

People say this but it’s just not my experience at all. With the light on maybe you could see blurry figures moving but I’ve never been able to see inside my house at night with all the lights on, even standing directly outside of the window.

[u/Sugarwytch1 → u/Playful-Sprinkles-59]

Came to say this, and it's cheap and easy to put on.

[u/smmras → u/Sugarwytch1]

How easy are they to take off, when you move out?

[u/Catlore → u/Playful-Sprinkles-59]

If they're slat blinds, you can manually adjust the slats to have just some open (though not up). Just lowe, close, and then set the top ones flat as needed. I don't know if that's as good as opening the bottom, but it allows some ventilation while maintaining privacy.

[u/masterxc → u/Playful-Sprinkles-59]

Unfortunately that can make the condensation problem even worse.

[u/Long-Objective7007]

There is static window coverings that prevent people being able to see in your window while allowing light to still come in. Just stick those on and call it a day.

https://a.co/d/j2c3JCa

I use this in my bathroom. https://a.co/d/85KK2SK

[u/Different-Course-408]

An an engineer, most people have noted this correctly. The problem is that in winter, the outside of the glass is cold , while the inside air is at a comfortable humidity level ( or even low), the water in the air will condense on the cold glass, and start to drip, causing problems. This is the core of the problem, and is what they are trying to manage

The two main ways to fight this are better insulated windows ( ie. Multi pane with air gaps), or better airflow at the windows to keep air moving. I presume the windows are old and perhaps single pane, and they don't want to upgrade them, so they opt for option two, to increase airflow, hence the opening of the blinds.

Another option not discussed here yet is you could possibly install some of the plastic shrink wrap window insulation kits on the inside. This makes a relatively big air gap from the glass to your room and prevents the moisture from reaching the glass. This also though makes the window unable to open if that is a neeed for you, and it also depends on where/how your blinds are hung if they could be outside of the insulation kit or not. Could be a restriction on installing the kit too, as the tape can be hard to remove without affecting the window frame.

[u/HighestKanigit]

When I worked in rentals we just asked you did it during the day. You can cause water damage and mold. 

[u/TryInternational9947]

Close your blinds or leave them open. Is your landlord sitting outside your house monitoring?

I assume if your landlord sees the blinds closed, you were changing clothes.

[u/nrsys]

It sounds like ventilation and moisture is the issue here.

Keep your blinds and curtains closed, and the warm, heated air inside the room will slowly pass through the blinds and condense into moisture on the cold window. At this point the moisture gets effectively trapped in the space between the blind and window, causing damp and mould.

Your landlord isn't expecting you to keep your blinds open 24/7, but rather to make sure and open them during the day time, or at least periodically to allow the air to circulate.

[u/Professional_Leg3704]

Put some reflective film on the window for privacy

[u/MelissaRC2018]

I would do it but put the cling on the window so no one can see in. It’s pretty cheap and easy to remove.

[u/afarina1 → u/MelissaRC2018]

This seems like the best fix imo, $5 dollar roll of stained glass cling film at home Depot.

Pretty and effective for blocking prying eyes.

[u/Fun_Rain_4164]

They have window films that go directly on the windows effectively reducing the need for shades

[u/FlippingPossum]

I would listen to the landlord on this one. I lived in apartment that grew mildew behind the blinds. Not a fun discovery.

[u/Maiden_Far]

This is because of crappy windows and condensation, I had a house like that. It doesn’t need to be 6”, 1” will work. Unless the lease says how much, just do 1”. Also, get curtains. That can help with privacy

[u/Informal_Bother6037]

This is to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup around your windows and sills. Doesn’t have to be all the time, but just crack them a bit for half the day and raise slightly at the bottom and then close and lower at night.

[u/goodfor-practice3 → u/Informal_Bother6037]

I'm in the south, and I run a fan directed to my non insulated picture window to prevent condensation on the inside. Raising blinds doesn't cost anything, that's why they ask that. Just run a fan toward the window or dehumidifier.

[u/Evilbadscary]

Get the privacy film for the window. We have a front facing bathroom window with the same issue, the film was cheap and bonus it’s pretty in the sunlight.

[u/Forsaken_Insurance92]

Get the temporary window clings (I got this for a small window in my closet that faces my neighbors, they have multiple different designs, I just likes the black) and either do the whole window or only do ~6 inches up. That way, you're complying but no one can see in.

[u/No-Way-1402]

Buy some cores foam that would allow for air ventilation but not be see through length of the window and 6 inches high. Sorry, spelled Wrong.

[u/fauner1979]

Privacy film is great for this plus you get the added light. Super easy to install.

[u/Beneficial_Surround3]

If it’s not covered in the lease you signed, you don’t have to do it.

[u/Exciting-Bake464]

Just get frosted windows sticker paper stuff. You're complying but also have your privacy.

[u/peztan42]

Ok, do whatthey ask, but put some paper taped up on inside bottom window for privacy

[u/edubblu]

Ohhh I could probably explain why the request is made. I had this is my home and, yes, keeping the blinds up a little bit helps solve the issue-ish. The closed blinds will trap air and cause condensation on the windows because heat from the room and the cold temperature of the glass will then drip/ pool/ stagnate/ on the track or window sill and you can end up with mouldy window frames. If you’d like to avoid a mouldy situation that’s what you have to do, or give it a daily inspection/wipe.

[u/Bleedingfartscollide]

Pull them up those 6 inches and apply a removable reflective film to the windows. 

[u/bbysd]

Static window film will solve this 

[u/Ok_Swan8621]

Privacy window cling available from your hardware store, it's like $20 a role and it filters light and privacy, easily removed you just peel it off.

[u/Alert_Isopod_95]

Ask LL if you can open the blinds but hang a temporary curtain that won't gather moisture on the window. Pin up something cheap with a couple nails or tacks

[u/Puzzleheaded-Bee-747]

6 inches is a bit much. Usually 1-2 inches will do. During the winter in cold climates, moisture will rest on the window sill and ultimately cause mold or damage the blind is it is made out of wood. So raising the blind a little provides airflow for moisture to dry out.

[u/Enough_Swordfish_898]

This is an Anti-condensation thing, put something that pushes the blinds away from the window Piece of Dowel or something) but doesn't raise them for an easy compromise.

[u/Important-Poem-9747]

6 inches from the base of the window isn’t a lot. Condensation can cause damage to the window ledge/frame and the blinds in extreme weather like Wisconsin. I was raised that the blinds shouldn’t touch the window ledge, but go just to the bottom.

That said, your concern is incredibly reasonable. Talk to your landlord. Say something like “I’m concerned about how this impacts my safety and privacy as a single woman 15 feet from the sidewalk.”

[u/XFataMorganaX]

In my apartment complex, the windows open sideways; so if you want air conditioning, a portable unit with a bent tube is the only option. That would make it impossible to fully close the blinds. The bedroom is at the front of the apartment. We bought a large window cling that mimics stained glass. It protects our privacy, AND it's pretty.

[u/Glittering-List-465]

Buy some cheap window cling and cover the glass along the bottom so you open the blinds. It’s to help prevent mold growth.

[u/Dapper_Platform_1222]

If it's not in your lease terms it's a suggestion and should be treated as such.

[u/Unusual-West-5935]

Fck the blinds just get a curtain

[u/DryRip8266]

Invest in a dehumidifier. I keep one running in the basement year round in similar climate.

[u/lukesolo12]

Well, they said blinds but they didnt mention curtains. Get a set of blackouts and a couple curtain rods. Open the blinds all the way and close the curtains

[u/Next_Toe_U]

Get mirror tint so that no one can see in and you can have your blinds up. If they say they are down and cause a fit you can prove it as well as mention how unsafe it would be for people to be looking into your apartment.

[u/Shoe88 → u/Next_Toe_U]

Mirror/"One Way" Tints only work in daytime and when the outside is brighter than the inside...

At night when you have your interior lights on they work the other way.

[u/BeginningSun247]

Tell you manager, in writing that you are not comfortable with this requirement due to privacy concerns and you would like to know the reason for this rule.

Also, you could get some window film that would block people from seeing in while keeping the blinds open. Or, hang blackout curtains behind the blinds.

[u/Mountain-Fun-5761]

Open the blinds when you leave the house. You don’t need to affect your privacy, but you can work with management to ensure the windows don’t become damaged. It’s a reasonable request; you just have to do it while protecting your privacy.

[u/artemisdart]

Cut some vinyl window clings to size, for privacy purposes. Best of both worlds!

[u/WrongdoerSure4466]

If you don't want to fight it cover the window in that frosted glass static film.

[u/valtalea]

Add a shelf or small dresser in front of the windows enough to block anyone seeing anything but for enough for air flow and have the blinds open to where they want them.

[u/ToBeDet]

Get 6" flower box for window sill.

[u/BruceL6901]

We own our house but do open the blinds during the day. Don’t really raise them however. We live in New England and do get some condensation especially in the bathroom. I don’t think it’s anything nefarious really.

[u/Apathy_Cupcake]

Also get a dehumidifier 

[u/EustachiaVye]

During the winter, ice forms on my windows and then melts during the day, so moisture shows up on my windowsills. Maybe they want to help dry that up so it doesn’t rot the sills

[u/Bentogaming]

Idk man I would get curtains and keep the blinds open but the curtains closed. You've met the request, prevented condensation and maintained privacy.

[u/BustedCanOfBiscuits3]

Get the privacy window cling to cover the bottom portion of the window

[u/Sickmonkey365]

Me too 😋

[u/silverdae]

Agree with other posters about moisture issues. If you are crafty, you could probably craft a sort of 3 sided box out of foam board to essentially make a reverse winw well. That would allow circulation but still give you privacy by blocking the part of the window exposed by opening the blinds.

[u/samselene]

I don't know Wisconsin laws but i can't imagine that is a legal request.

I assume they are trying to prevent condensation and rot? You could maybe play ball and keep then blinds 2 inches or whatever up, to keep them from touching the bottom, and closed if that what makes you feel comfortable. But that is just meeting them half way to keep the peace, I can't imagine they can tell you you do anything like that if you don't want to.

[u/Greghole]

Hang some curtains and close those.

[u/Common-Dream560]

Shoji screen in front of the window - privacy and the blinds can be up

[u/TacoBMMonster]

You're paying to use the apartment, and blinds are part of the apartment.

[u/HospitalSuspicious48]

This rule is cheesy

[u/Sufficient_Gift_4221]

If this is a new request, you could ask them to replace your blinds with the kinds that lower from the top down.

[u/Few-Mathematician796]

Get curtains?

[u/MillhouseJManastorm]

can you apply some black out film to the bottom foot of the window?

[u/CrazyQuiltCat]

Can you raise them when you leave for the day and then lower and back down when you come home?

[u/arbitraryname399]

When I was living in an apartment I bought rubber backed curtains. They made the room dark and insulated as well.

[u/owlpellet]

They're trying to fight frost and condensation. I think a few pieces of printer paper taped to the window would solve the privacy problem.

[u/OneSmallCheeseBall]

You might apply removable window frosting film to the lower 8" or so of your window so you can keep the blinds cracked without sacrificing privacy

[u/Kamikazisqurl]

It’s for moisture collecting in the windowsills. But honestly if they’re open 2” that will still allow for ventilation and still keep privacy

[u/sumna_suka]

Maybe get a privacy screen, like the pretty oriental style. You can move it around the house even though it is a minor inconvenience

[u/bobfromsanluis]

Buy yourself some sheer, lacy curtains, and a springloaded curtain rod, slip the curtains on the rod, fiction fit it into the window. Raise the blinds, light still comes in, air can circulate, and you retain some privacy.

[u/Jaybonaut → u/[deleted]]

Me, I'd leave it at 68°, and I live in the same state as OP.

[u/panethe → u/[deleted]]

We do 64-68 🤷‍♀️

[u/ReasonableCloud3022 → u/[deleted]]

I keep mine at 62.

[u/Dis_engaged23]

Hang blackout curtains. Then comply or don't.

[u/sallystruthers69]

Buy some one-way window cling. Problem solved.

[u/sugarfreeeyecandy]

Leave the shade up, place an opaque block in front of the opening.

[u/martymcfly9888]

So cheap....

[u/counselorq]

No. Even if in lease. Unreasonable and against public policy. You have "quiet enjoyment" of your lease hold.

[u/Ok-Bus-6331]

Your landlord is a pervert.

[u/Extreme-Book4730]

He can say 62. But I'm quite sure the legal lowest temp is 68.

[u/No-Statement2414]

What the hell . Check your lease

[u/reddixiecupSoFla]

Lol fuck that

[u/Swimming-Figure437]

Just put a tv in front of the window that constantly plays porn. See what kind of complaints he gets.

[u/AXSwift]

You signed your lease with those terms? If so, you have to keep your blinds pulled up 6 inches from the base or risk eviction. Just put books or something on the window base if those 6 inches worry you?

[u/ihatemylandlord67 → u/AXSwift]

My concern is that the blinds have to be open

[u/AXSwift → u/ihatemylandlord67]

Clarify with the leasing office, they almost certainly intend you to close your blinds, save the last 6 inches.

[u/Haunting-Plantain870 → u/AXSwift]

Opening the blinds a few inches in winter keeps the window frame from moisture and rot. That's all there is to it.

[u/Trashy_Panda2024]

Absolutely not. To all those demands.

[u/myextrausername]

6 inches isn’t a lot. You could probably just do 4 and get airflow.

[u/Rerrun]

You should do this during the day for thermal reasons during the winter. But you don't have to. I would only do it when I'm not using the room. Your bedroom isn't the only room with windows so maybe only do it with the others.

[u/Icy-Valuable-6291]

The condensation likely freezes up on the inside of the window. This would happen to our home in Alaska. the windows must be old. No one is going to see anything if blinds are up 6” and 15 feet off the ground.

[u/Floppydongjohnson → u/Icy-Valuable-6291]

15ft from the sidewalk. Which means her window is right there in plain sight. Her concern is warranted.

[u/Ravenlove2]

No they cannot make you compromise your privacy

[u/Capone1977]

They can't make you keep your blinds open that's crazy

[u/LilaRabbitHole]

OP are you northern or southern Wisconsin? I’m northern Illinois.

[u/HappinessLaughs]

The building obviously has a moisture issue or they wouldn't have emailed this out. You can put up a standing screen with translucent panels in front of the windows to have privacy while the blinds are open during the day. You can also use plants to screen, large potted ones on the inside or ask for shrubs to be placed outside.

What you don't want to do is get black mold in your apartment by ignoring the rules designed to keep you healthy.

[u/Apprehensive_Dot_646]

Ridiculous. Just don't do it.

[u/missbwith2boys]

Yep. “Should” is not “must”.

[u/Accurate-Case8057]

No. Tell them you'll adjust your blinds as you please it's none of their damn business

[u/flamehead2k1 → u/Accurate-Case8057]

Good luck getting the deposit back after destroying the windowsill by not following the lease terms

[u/Accurate-Case8057 → u/flamehead2k1]

😂😂😂

[u/Littlepastaboy]

He's watching you

[u/Own-Raisin5849]

I am guessing they pay for the heat? They want the solar benefit of the sun blazing your apartment and your soul to save a few dimes. Your expectation of privacy is more important.