The chill is returning to the air, which means NYC’s official ‘heat season’ has begun.
Running from October 1 through May 31, this period brings strict legal requirements for landlords across the five boroughs.
If your apartment feels freezing, you probably aren’t overreacting. Building owners must legally provide adequate heat and hot water to their tenants.
The exact temperature rules
There are specific thresholds your building must meet depending on the time of day:
- During the day (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.): If the outside temperature drops below 55 degrees, your inside temperature must be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
- At night (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.): Your inside temperature must be at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of what it feels like outside.
- Hot water: You are entitled to hot water 365 days a year at a constant minimum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is changing this year
In previous years, the 311 system frustrated many renters. When multiple tenants in the same building reported a lack of heat, only the first complaint was treated as the primary issue.
Subsequent calls were simply marked as duplicates, leaving many feeling ignored.
Starting this season, that process has officially changed.
Inspectors are now required to inspect all apartments that file non-anonymous complaints. Complaints from multiple units in a single building will no longer be bundled as duplicates.
This is a massive shift, especially since more buildings now feature unit-specific heating.
How to file a heat complaint
If you find yourself shivering, contact your landlord first. If they are unresponsive, it is time to take action:
- Call 311 or TTY (212) 504-4115.
- File a report via 311ONLINE or 311MOBILE.
- You can choose to file anonymously. If you do, an inspector will randomly select an apartment in your building to check.
Once your complaint is filed, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will try to notify your building owner.
If the heat stays off, a uniformed inspector will visit your apartment and issue violations if warranted. You can easily track your complaint status.
A quick note for NYCHA residents
NYCHA is currently modernizing heating controls across more than 60 developments.
These upgraded systems aim to stop historical overheating, keeping daytime temperatures between 72 and 74 degrees and nighttime temperatures between 69 and 71 degrees.
If your temperature falls out of the legal range, or if you have cold radiators with open valves, call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or use the MyNYCHA app.