Window gates

Where is the townhouse, and how accessible is the back of the building.

When I lived in Brooklyn Heights, my fire escape window didn't have bars, but I felt perfectly safe since the entire block of townhouses was essentially "locked in" -- the townhouses on either end of the block had high iron fences, and each townhouse had its own fence for privacy. I figured someone would have to either hurdle eight fences in one direction or ten in the other -- or drop down from a helicopter -- to get to my humble abode. In fact, I often left the fire escape window not only unlocked but OPEN. No problems for ten years.

Unless your building falls into this category, I don't see anyone feeling secure without a window gate. In my new place, I have one of these, painted white. It's actually quite attractive, as window gates go: http://emeralddoorsnyc.com/images/windowStarburst.gif

Matt - How much did they charge if you don't mind saying?

It ended up being something like $500 for the gate, the paint job, and installation. Very happy with it.

The entire block is town homes and two high rise buildings (on the corners). There is no way to get to the back area without going through somebody's building.

why do you have the gate now?

The previous owner installed the gates.

To keep the house guests from escaping.

Your neighbors might also be theives, you know.

My question is more about what a renter would want/expects. Do most town-homes/row-house apartments that are rented now have gates for the windows that open to the fire escape?

Again, it depends on the neighborhood and the accessibility of the back of the building. From what you described, it doesn't sound like you need a security gate.

You are going to remove the gates.
Most likely nobody will ask for gates, but if they do you can have them installed when your renter requests.