Residential guide
NYC Heat Season Rules: What Temperature Must Your Landlord Provide?
New York City's heat season runs October 1 to May 31. Required indoor temperatures by time of day and how to report no heat. Key points in this guide: Heat season is October 1 through May 31; 68 degrees inside by day when it is below 55 outside; 62 degrees inside overnight at all times.
Quick answer
In New York City, heat season runs from October 1 through May 31. During the day, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., an owner must provide at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit inside when the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees. Overnight, between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the inside temperature must be at least 62 degrees regardless of outdoor temperature. Tenants without heat can report it to 311. Gotham Home Services repairs boilers, heat pumps, furnaces and PTAC heating in NYC buildings and can diagnose the equipment problem behind a no-heat complaint, with a written quote before approved work begins.
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Many tenants and owners are unsure what the rules require, so here is the short answer. For equipment help, see HVAC repair for NYC buildings.
Key points
- 1.Heat season is October 1 through May 31
- 2.68 degrees inside by day when it is below 55 outside
- 3.62 degrees inside overnight at all times
- 4.Report no heat to 311
- 5.Document temperatures and dates
- 6.Owners need a repair path for the equipment
In more detail
The City requires owners of residential buildings to provide heat from October 1 through May 31. Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the indoor temperature must be at least 68 degrees when the outdoor temperature is below 55. Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., it must be at least 62 degrees no matter how warm it is outside. Confirm current details with the City, because rules can change.
Tenants without heat should tell the owner or manager and can file a complaint through 311. Keeping a simple log of dates, times and readings helps. If you are a tenant dealing with this in Queens, what to do about no heat in a Queens apartment walks through the steps.
Owners and managers need the equipment repaired quickly. A heat pump that fails in cold weather is a common cause, as covered in why a heat pump stops heating in winter.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
NYC Heat Season Rules: What Temperature Must Your Landlord Provide?
In New York City, heat season runs from October 1 through May 31. During the day, between 6 a.
What are the key points to remember?
Heat season is October 1 through May 31. 68 degrees inside by day when it is below 55 outside. 62 degrees inside overnight at all times. Report no heat to 311. Document temperatures and dates. Owners need a repair path for the equipment.
Does Gotham Home Services serve my area?
Yes. Gotham Home Services serves Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island and Long Island.
How do I get a quote?
Call (516) 348-5145 or request a quote online. A technician diagnoses the problem on site and gives a written quote before any approved work begins.