Cold weather is fast approaching in NYC, which means blankets, hot chocolate, and the familiar clunk and hiss of the radiator. For many of the city’s apartment-dwellers, temperature control is in the hands of their landlord.
Luckily, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has outlined rules that building owners need to follow regarding providing heat to tenants. During the period of October 1st to May 31st, heat must be provided during the day (6 AM to 10 PM) when outside temperatures are below 55 degrees, maintaining an inside temperature of at least 68 degrees; during the night (10 PM to 6 AM), regardless of outside temperature, maintaining an inside temperature of at least 62 degrees. Hot water of a constant minimum of 120 degrees is to be provided year-long.
If you find yourself without heat or hot water this season, contact your landlord. If they do not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with 311, either by phone or at 311 Online. After receiving the complaint, HPD will notify building management; if service is still not restored, they will send an inspector to the building to verify and issue any appropriate violations. You can find more details about the process for addressing complaints here.
Stay warm and be safe.