Photos credit: Isseu Diouf Campbell
During a press conference held at the New York City Housing Preservation and Development’s Brooklyn office on October 1st, 2024, City officials including HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrion Jr. and Deputy Mayor Maria Torres Springer announced that New York City’s ‘heat season’ has officially begun, and they want to ensure you’re informed!
Every New Yorker, regardless of their lease or immigration status, has the right to call 311 to report heat and/or hot water issues during this period.
The heat season in New York City runs from October 1st to May 31st. During this time, landlords are required to maintain safe indoor temperatures for their tenants. Specifically, when outdoor temperatures drop below 55°F, indoor temperatures must be maintained at a minimum of 68°F during the day (from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
Indoor temperatures must be kept at a minimum of 62°F overnight, regardless of the outdoor temperature. Additionally, hot water must be available year-round at a consistent minimum temperature of 120°F.
To address heating issues, the City recommends contacting the building owner or superintendent first, as they can often resolve problems quickly. If the issue is not resolved, tenants can file a complaint by calling 311, visiting the 311 website, or using the 311 Mobile app. Tenants who are hard of hearing can use a TDD to file complaints at (212) 504-4115.
Once a 311 complaint is made, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will contact the building’s managing agent to resolve the issue. HPD will also reach out to the tenant who filed the complaint. If the tenant confirms the issue is unresolved, an inspector will be dispatched to investigate. If no one is home, HPD will check another unit in the building to verify the heating condition.
Landlords must provide HPD with access to the boiler room to ensure the heating system is functioning properly.
In addition to checking for adequate heat and hot water, HPD inspectors will also verify the presence of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, lead-based paint (if children under six are present), window guards (if children under 11 are present), self-closing doors, and any other hazardous conditions during inspections.
If heat and hot water violations are not addressed, HPD’s Housing Litigation Division (HLD) can file cases in Housing Court to obtain orders for repairs and, when necessary, civil penalties.
For more information on staying safe this winter, visit the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website. Low-income property owners struggling with heating can contact the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) at 718-557-1399 for help with heating bills and equipment repairs.
For tenants interested in learning more about housing rights, please visit HPD’s updated ABC’s of Housing, a comprehensive guide to housing rules and regulations for both owners and tenants or 311 for a copy of the ABCs
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