As the leaves begin to get crunchy and it gets darker in the mornings in New York City, it's time to prepare for the upcoming heating season. Running from October 1st, 2024 to May 31st, 2025, this period brings specific regulations and responsibilities for landlords to ensure warm and comfortable living conditions throughout the colder months (with specific temperature requirements.)
Knowing your rights and obligations when it comes to heating in NYC is crucial for a hassle-free winter.
NYC Heat Laws: What Tenants Need to Know
NYC has strict laws in place to protect tenants during the heating season. Landlords are legally obligated to provide adequate heat and hot water to their residents, so even if it's only temporary you should know what you are allowed to demand to keep safe and healthy all winter.
Coming from a country that never gets that cold, I couldn't initially understand why this was so important, but after living in some locations that were less than favorable, I can tell you that you don't want to be stuck without heat for more than an hour on a particularly cold day.
The rules require that:
- Daytime Heating: Between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, the inside temperature must be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Nighttime Heating: From 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, the inside temperature must be maintained at a minimum of 62 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the outside temperature.
- Hot Water: Landlords must provide hot water at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
If your landlord fails to meet these requirements, you have the right to file a complaint with the city. While you have this option, you shouldn't jump straight into a formal complaint though, because that can damage your relationship with your landlord and make things more difficult for the duration of your lease—just know that you've got it in your back pocket.
So what should you do?
Addressing Heating Issues: How to File a Complaint
Experiencing inadequate heat or hot water can be a major inconvenience and even a health hazard. If you're facing heating problems in your apartment, take the following steps:
- Contact your landlord: The first step is to notify your landlord or building manager about the issue. Often, a simple communication can resolve the problem quickly. This is why knowing your rights is so important, because it's ok to throw your weight around in this discussion. Don't be bullied into being told that it's fine and it will be “fixed when it's fixed”—explain that it's heating season, and you know what's required.
- Document the problem: Keep a record of the dates and times when the heat or hot water was inadequate. If possible, use a thermometer to measure the temperature in your apartment and take lots of photos. Photos and videos will save you in the long run to make sure that you've got everything you need.
- File a complaint with 311: If your landlord fails to address the issue, you can file a complaint with the city's 311 service online, by phone, or through the 311 mobile app. 311, if you don't know, is an incredible non-emergency line that lets you ask legal questions, practical questions, and require assistance for things that are not emergencies (that would be 911 for emergencies and 988 for self-harm emergencies).
Remember, you have rights as a tenant in NYC, and the city has resources available to help ensure you have a warm and safe living environment throughout the heating season.
