NYC Heating Season and Heat Laws – Here’s Everything Renters Need to Know

Heat is not merely a luxury instead of a basic requirement. The fall in NYC is terrible. From walking to catch the train at subway platforms to carefully dodging the snow on the footpath, the least you wish is to deal with the cold at home.

In New York City, you enjoy it as a perk of renting an apartment, and your landlord is responsible for making sure a sufficient level of heat and hot water in your unit.

Being a renter, it befalls your landlord to maintain habitable conditions in the apartment building. You need to know about the NYC heating season and laws. So you do not have to spend a cold winter without heat. Here’s what you need to know.

1- What Is NYC Heat Law
2- What Temperature Landlord Keep
3- Water Requirement During Heat Season
4- Landlord Violates NYC Heat Law
5- Obligations For Landlords
6- Pay for Heat in NYC
7- Space Heaters is Legal in NYC

What Is NYC Heat Law?

The NYC Heat Law requires that landlords provide heat to their tenants during the heating season. The heat turn-on date in NYC runs from October 1st to May 31st.

The law defines “heat” as a temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit in all living spaces during daytime hours and 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Landlords are also required to provide hot water at a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. If a landlord fails to provide heat or hot water, tenants can file a complaint with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

In some cases, the department may issue a violation and/or order the landlord to make repairs. If the landlord still does not comply, the department can take legal action against the landlord, including imposing fines or ordering repairs to be made at the landlord’s expense.

What Temperature Does a Landlord Have to Keep in NYC?

As already discussed above, during the heating season, landlords are required to keep the inside temperature of their buildings at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above during the day and 62 degrees Fahrenheit or above at night. If the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The landlord must raise the inside temperature to at least 68 degrees.

Do You Know: During the 2019-2020 “Heat Season”, 170,171 total heat and hot water problems were reported to the City through 311 (this number includes duplicate calls), a decrease of 27 percent as compared to the previous “Heat Season.” – Reports  NYC Gov.

Water Requirement During Heat Season for Tenants

Besides the heat regulations that apply during the heat season in NYC, landlords must provide their tenants with access to hot water at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit all year. If you’re constantly getting cold water during winter, you have the legal right to complain and have the problem resolved as soon as possible.

What To Do If Your Landlord Violates NYC Heat Law?

For New Yorkers, the heating season is a time of year when we have to be extra careful about our living conditions. With the cold weather comes the risk of problems like freezing pipes and inadequate heat. Which can be extremely dangerous for both tenants and landlords. That’s why it’s important to know your rights when it comes to heat in your rental unit.

If your landlord has failed to do this, you may be entitled to a rent abatement, which is a reduction in your rent. In order to get an abatement, you will need to file a complaint with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

Once your complaint is filed, an inspector will come to your apartment to confirm that there is a problem with the heat. If the inspector finds that your landlord has violated NYC’s heat laws. You will be able to receive a rent abatement for each day that the violation occurred.

If you believe that your landlord has violated NYC’s heat laws, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The sooner you file a complaint, the sooner you can get the relief you deserve.

Extra Obligations For Landlords During Heat Season

As a landlord in NYC, you have certain obligations when it comes to heat and snow removal. First and foremost, you are responsible for ensuring that your tenants have access to safe and clean heating. This means making sure that boilers and furnaces are properly maintained, and that all vents and chimneys are clear of debris.

You should also provide adequate insulation to prevent heat loss. In addition, you are responsible for clearing snow and ice from all walkways and stairs on your property. This helps to prevent accidents and injuries and makes it easier for tenants to get around.

Lastly, you should also make sure that trees and shrubs on your property are trimmed back. So that they don’t block sidewalks or driveways. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure the safety and comfort of your tenants during the winter months.

When Can Landlords Turn Off Heat In NY?

Landlords are not required to provide heat if the temperature in the apartment is already above 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition, landlords are allowed to turn off the heat if they are doing repairs that require the heat to be turned off.

Finally, if a tenant requests that the heat be turned off, the landlord can comply with this request as long as the temperature in the apartment stays above 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

With these guidelines in mind, landlords have a fair amount of flexibility when turning off the heat. However, they should always keep their tenants’ comfort in mind and make sure that the apartment is still a livable space.

Do You Know: The New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is authorized to reduce the rent of any rent regulated apartment in New York City when required heat and hot water services are not maintained. Reports NYS

Are NYC Landlords Required to Pay for Heat?

Many people are surprised to learn that they are responsible for paying for heat in their New York City rental apartments. While landlords are required to provide heating during the winter months, tenants are responsible for paying for the actual heat.

This can be a significant expense, especially for larger apartments. There are several ways to pay for heat in an NYC apartment. Some landlords include the cost of heat in the rent, while others require tenants to pay separately.

Additionally, some landlords use a sub metering system, meaning tenants are charged based on how much heat they use. When considering whether to rent an apartment in NYC, be sure to ask about the cost of heat so that you can budget accordingly.

What is the Minimum Temperature for Landlords?

In New York City, the minimum temperature for landlords during heat season is 68 degrees. This regulation is in place to help ensure that tenants have a comfortable living environment and to prevent health hazards associated with extreme temperatures.

While 68 degrees may not sound very warm, it is important to remember that this is the minimum temperature that landlords are required to maintain. In practice, most landlords will keep their apartments at a comfortably warm temperature, typically between 72 and 76 degrees.

What Temperature Should I Keep My Apartment At?

In New York City, the average apartment temperature is kept between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what temperature is best for your apartment. A variety of factors, including the time of year and the type of heating and cooling system you have. Can impact what temperature is most comfortable for you.

In general, it is recommended that you keep your apartment at a cooler temperature in the summer and a warmer temperature in the winter. During the shoulder seasons, you may want to experiment with different temperatures to find what works best for you.

Ultimately, the best way to determine what temperature to keep your apartment at is to use trial and error until you find a setting that is both comfortable and efficient.

What Does the Heating Season Mean for Tenants in NYC?

Winter in New York City can be a tough season for renters. The cold weather and shorter days can make it difficult to keep your apartment warm and well-lit.

In addition, the snow and ice can make it tough to get around, making it hard to get to work or run errands. As a result, many tenants find themselves feeling stressed and overwhelmed during the winter months.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to help make winter a little easier to handle. For starters, make sure to keep your heat turned on and your windows covered at night. You should also take advantage of daylight hours by opening blinds and curtains during the day.

In addition, Keep your snow shovel and ice melt handy. So that you can clear your sidewalks and steps when necessary. By taking some simple precautions, you can help make winter a little more bearable.

When Does Heat Go Off in NYC?

The weather in New York City is extremely unpredictable, so it’s difficult to say when the heat season goes off. In general, the temperature starts to drop in October and November. It becomes increasingly cold throughout December, January, and February.

However, there have been some years when the warm weather has continued into March or even April. So it really depends on the specific year and on the prevailing weather conditions.

Are Space Heaters Legal in NYC?

Space heaters are a great way to keep warm in cold weather, but are they legal in New York City? The answer is yes and no.

According to the New York City Building Code, kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in the city. However, space heaters are permitted as long as they are UL-listed and have an automatic shut-off feature.

But, there are some restrictions on where they can be used. For example, space heaters must be at least three feet away from combustible materials. They cannot be used in bedrooms or bathrooms.

Additionally, only certain types of space heaters are permitted, such as infrared or radiant heaters. Finally, all space heaters must be turned off when they are not in use. With these guidelines in mind, space heaters can be a safe and effective way to keep warm during the winter months.

Conclusion:

If you are a renter in New York City, it is important to be aware of the heating season and your rights as a tenant. Make sure that you understand what your landlord is responsible for when it comes to heating your apartment. And know how to file a complaint if you are not getting the heat that you need. By being informed and taking action, you can stay warm during the cold winter months.