No heat? Your rights in NYC

The legal minimums

• Heat season: October 1 – May 31.
• 6 AM – 10 PM: if it's below 55°F outside, it must be at least 68°F inside.
• 10 PM – 6 AM: it must be at least 62°F inside, whatever the weather.
• Hot water: at least 120°F at the tap, all year.

These come from the NYC Housing Maintenance Code (§27-2029 and §27-2031). Hot water must be available 24 hours a day.

What to do

1. Tell your landlord or super in writing (text or email is fine) and keep a copy.
2. Record the temperature inside, with the date and time, several times a day.
3. File a complaint with 311 online, in the 311 app, or by calling 311. HPD may call the landlord or send an inspector.
4. If heat stays off, you can bring an HP action in Housing Court. Free help: NYC Tenant Legal Services.

Staying safe

• Never use the oven or stove to heat your apartment. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Plug space heaters straight into the wall, not an extension cord, and keep them 3 feet from anything that burns.
• Check that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work.