How Do I Report No Heat or Hot Water in NYC?

January 10, 2026

Shivering in your NYC apartment with no heat or hot water? You're not powerless-city law has your back.

Tip: Want to sanity-check a specific address? Search it on Building Health X to see recent heat/hot water, pests, noise, safety and violations across 30/90 days, 1 year and 3 years.

In the dead of winter, this isn't just uncomfortable; it's illegal. We'll break down your legal rights for heat and hot water, when to dial 311 for emergencies, step-by-step reporting (phone or online), notifying your landlord, tracking complaints, and escalation via DOB or HPD.

Ready to turn up the heat on your landlord? Let's dive in.

Understanding Your Rights

New York City tenants have ironclad legal protections ensuring landlords provide heat and hot water during the heating season from October 1 to May 31. The NYC Housing Maintenance Code (HMC), particularly section 27-2029, sets strict standards for building temperatures and hot water supply.

Landlords face civil penalties up to $250 daily for violations, encouraging quick fixes for issues like no heat or no hot water in NYC. These rules apply to most multiple dwellings, protecting tenants from cold apartments year-round.

Common problems include boiler failure, radiator not working, or thermostat issues. Knowing your tenant rights NYC helps when filing a NYC heat complaint via 311.

The code mandates landlord responsibilities for heat season compliance, with options like the Emergency Repair Program (ERP NYC) for urgent repairs. This sets the stage for detailed temperature rules and hot water standards below.

Legal Heat Requirements

NYC law requires landlords to maintain indoor temperatures of at least 68 degreesF from 6 AM to 10 PM and 62 degreesF overnight during heating season (Oct 1-May 31). This falls under HMC 27-2029(a), covering minimum temperature apartment standards for tenant safety.

Measure temperatures 3 feet above the floor, away from drafts, windows, or radiators for accuracy. Use a reliable thermometer to document building temperature code violations like hallway temperature drops or lobby cold spots.

Time Period	Minimum Temp	Measurement Location
6 AM to 10 PM (daytime)	68 degreesF	Every habitable room, 3ft above floor
10 PM to 6 AM (nighttime)	62 degreesF	Every habitable room, away from drafts
Common areas (hallways, lobbies)	62 degreesF all day	Mid-room height, no vents nearby
Extreme cold (<5 degreesF outside)	68 degreesF all day	All areas, constant monitoring

For scenarios like extreme cold days below 5 degreesF outside, maintain 68 degreesF around the clock. Report common area heat failures, such as elevator heat complaint, to enforce winter heat laws.

Hot Water Standards

Landlords must provide hot water at a minimum of 120 degreesF year-round, available 24/7 from every faucet. This running hot water code ensures constant supply, unlike seasonal heat rules.

Test by running water for 2 minutes, then measure with a thermometer. Safe range stays between 120-140 degreesF to avoid scalding while preventing tepid water under 110 degreesF.

Temperature	Status	Action
120 degreesF+	Compliant	Monitor regularly
110-119 degreesF	Violation	Report to 311 NYC
Under 110 degreesF	Serious issue	Emergency repair request
Over 140 degreesF	Safety risk	Request adjustment

Troubleshoot water heater malfunction, like pilot light out, by noting no hot water over 4 hours. Contact your building superintendent first, then escalate to HPD NYC for no hot water NYC complaints.

Emergency Situations

Certain no-heat scenarios qualify as emergencies requiring 24-hour response under NYC Housing Code. These differ from non-emergency issues by triggering immediate action from HPD and DOB. Heat emergencies lead to H3 violations, which demand repairs within 24 hours.

Key triggers include no heat when indoor temperatures drop below 55 degreesF for over 2 hours, no hot water for 4 hours or more, and building-wide boiler failure. Landlords face civil penalties starting at $250 daily for non-compliance. This ensures quick fixes during heat season NYC from October to May.

Other urgent cases involve burst pipes flooding or gas leaks combined with no heat. Tenants should document conditions with temperature readings and photos. Calling 311 starts the emergency repair program, protecting tenant rights NYC.

Landlord responsibilities include constant hot water requirements and maintaining minimum apartment temperatures. Violations can lead to court orders, fines, and even relocation assistance for vulnerable populations like seniors or families with children.

When to Call 311 Immediately

Call 311 immediately if temperatures drop below 55 degreesF for over 2 hours, or no hot water for 4+ hours. These situations fall under no heat emergency rules in the NYC Housing Code. Quick action prevents health hazards like hypothermia risk in cold apartments.

Use this decision table to determine if your issue qualifies as an emergency. It outlines common scenarios, emergency status, expected response time, and real-world examples.

Situation	Emergency?	Response Time	Examples
No heat below 55 degreesF (2hrs+)	Yes	24 hours	Indoor temp 48 degreesF, radiators cold all day during winter
No hot water (4hrs+)	Yes	24 hours	Tap water stays cold despite running for minutes
Burst pipes flooding	Yes	24 hours	Pipes split in apartment, water everywhere
Boiler failure building-wide	Yes	24 hours	Entire building without heat, super confirms boiler issue
Gas leak + no heat	Yes	Immediate	Smell gas near boiler, no heating system working
Frozen pipes	Yes	24 hours	Pipes burst after snowstorm, no hot water NYC

For best results, use this exact call script when dialing 311 NYC: "Building [address], no heat, indoor temp 48 degreesF, 4 hours." Report anonymously if needed, with multilingual support available. Follow up via the NYC311 app or phone to track your heat complaint.

Reporting via 311

NYC's 311 system handles heat complaints with multilingual support and anonymous reporting options. It connects callers directly to HPD and DOB for quick action on no heat or no hot water issues. Available 24/7 in over 200 languages, it provides an instant complaint number and triggers inspections within 24 hours for emergencies.

Tenants can report violations of heat requirements NYC, such as apartments below 68 degrees daytime or 62 degrees nighttime from October to May. This service covers landlord responsibilities under the housing maintenance code, including constant hot water at required temperatures. Anonymous filing protects against retaliation, a key tenant right NYC.

For emergency repair program cases like boiler failure or burst pipes, 311 escalates to HPD for civil penalties and court-ordered fixes. Landlords face fines up to $250 daily for willful violations. Tenants gain documented complaints for rent abatement or housing court actions.

Use 311 for building-wide issues, like hallway cold or lobby temperature drops, or specific problems such as radiator not working. It logs maintenance requests and supports escalation to DOB for chronic issues. Feedback via satisfaction survey helps improve the process.

Phone Reporting Process

Dial 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK) and follow this 4-step process to file your heat complaint instantly. The call takes about 5 minutes with multilingual support; press 2 for Spanish or use TTY at 212-504-4115. You get a complaint number right away for tracking.

Dial 311 and select your language from the automated menu.
Choose 'Housing' category, then 'Heat/Hot Water' for no heat emergency or no hot water NYC.
Provide exact details: address, apartment number, indoor temperature, duration without heat, and super contact info.
Receive your complaint number immediately to reference for inspections or follow-ups.

Example script: "Apartment 3B, 456 Main St, no heat for 18 hours, indoor 52 degreesF, super not responding." This details building temperature code violations like thermostat issues or heating system breakdown. Save the number for violation notice NYC status checks.

Phone reporting suits urgent cases, such as frozen pipes or fuel oil delivery delays, leading to 24-hour inspections. It documents evidence for HP action NYC if landlords ignore owner obligations. Report anonymously to avoid super negligence issues.

Online Reporting Steps

Use the NYC311 app or portal for documented heat complaints with photo evidence upload. This method takes about 7 minutes and sends your complaint number via email or text. Pro tip: screenshot and save the number for records.

Download the NYC311 app or visit the online portal.
Search for 'Heat/Hot Water' to start your NYC heat complaint.
Enter the building address; it auto-fills owner and super info from city records.
Upload photos of thermometer readings, radiator pics, or meter for hot water temp proof.
Submit and get your complaint number instantly for inspection requests.

Visuals like indoor temp gauge at 55 degreesF or cold radiator strengthen cases for HMC section 27-2029 violations. Ideal for documenting steam heat problems or zone heating failure. Track status online via BIS search for open violations.

Online filing builds a record for [rent stabilized](/blog/how-do-i-know-if-my-nyc-apartment-is-rent-stabilized) tenants or NYCHA heat complaints, supporting relocation assistance if needed. Include details on common area heat or top floor cold spots. Escalate persistent issues to DOB for ECB hearings and repair timelines.

Landlord Notification

Document landlord notification BEFORE calling 311 to strengthen your case and prevent retaliation claims. Under NYC's Multiple Dwelling Law, tenants must notify landlords of no heat or no hot water issues within 24 hours. This step establishes your tenant rights NYC and creates a paper trail for enforcement.

Start by finding owner contact info using ACRIS.nyc.gov property records. Search by address to get the building owner, managing agent, or superintendent details. Keep all communications in writing for proof in housing court NYC if needed.

Use one of three reliable methods: certified mail, email, or hand delivery. Each includes a template to report the NYC heat complaint clearly. Maintain a log of all attempts to track landlord responsibilities.

Notify promptly during heat season NYC from October to May, when apartments must reach 68 degrees daytime and 62 degrees nighttime. Include details like radiator not working or running hot water code violations under HMC section 27-2029.

Notification Templates

Choose a template based on your preferred notification method. Customize with your details, issue description, and evidence like photos. Send to the owner, super, and managing agent if known.

For certified mail, use this exact wording on letterhead or plain paper. Mail with return receipt for proof of delivery.

Certified Mail Template:

Dear [Landlord/Owner Name],
I am [Your Name], tenant in apartment [Your Apt #] at [Building Address, NYC].

On [Date/Time], my apartment has had no heat or no hot water. The radiator is cold, thermostat reads [temp], and water from tap is [describe]. This violates NYC housing maintenance code requiring constant hot water and minimum temperatures.

Repair immediately under landlord responsibilities. I expect compliance within 24 hours for emergencies. Photos attached.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone/Email]

For email template, cc yourself and use read receipts. Subject: Urgent - No Heat/Hot Water in Apt [Number].

Email Template:

Subject: Urgent No Heat/Hot Water Complaint - Apt [Your Apt #] [Address]

Dear [Landlord/Owner/Super],

Same body as certified mail template. Attach photos of boiler failure, temperature gauge, or cold radiator.

Best,
[Your Name]

Hand Delivery Method

Hand-deliver a printed copy to the building superintendent or agent. Have a witness, like a neighbor, sign and date the copy. This proves delivery for report no heat disputes.

Hand Delivery Template: Use the same wording as certified mail. Add at bottom: "Received by [Witness Name] on [Date] at [Time]. Witness Signature: __________."

Photograph the delivery and witness signature immediately. Keep originals safe as documented evidence for 311 or HPD NYC follow-up.

Notification Log Template

Track every attempt in a simple log template to build your case. Use a notebook or spreadsheet for dates, methods, responses, and proof. This helps if escalating to emergency repair program or court.

Date	Method	Response	Photo Evidence
MM/DD/YY	Certified Mail	No reply	Yes, radiator photo
MM/DD/YY	Email	Promised repair	Yes, temp reading
MM/DD/YY	Hand Delivery	Super signed	Yes, delivery pic

Update the log after each contact. Include notes on no hot water NYC details, like water temperature below 120 degrees. Share this with 311 operators for faster violation notice NYC.

Follow-Up Actions

Monitor your 311 complaint status daily to ensure timely repairs and inspector response. NYC 311 complaints generate trackable tickets for no heat or no hot water issues. Emergency repairs under the Emergency Repair Program require action within 24 hours, while non-emergency fixes have a 7-day window.

Track progress via app, web, or phone to document any landlord delays. This creates a record for escalation if needed, such as to HPD NYC or DOB NYC. Persistent issues may lead to violation notices and civil penalties for landlords.

Keep a log of all communications with your building superintendent or managing agent. Take photos of cold radiators, temperature readings, or frozen pipes as evidence. If repairs lag, request an inspection or contact the emergency tenant hotline.

For health risks like hypothermia in vulnerable populations, note child safety concerns and involve ACS NYC. Legal aid in housing court can help with rent abatement or court-ordered repairs during heat season from October to May.

Tracking Your Complaint

Use your 311 complaint number to track status via 3 free portals updated every 4 hours. These tools show progress from Open to Assigned, Inspected, and Corrected. Real-time updates help you stay informed on NYC heat complaints or no hot water NYC resolutions.

Start with the NYC311 app for push notifications on your phone. Download it, enter your complaint number, and get alerts for inspector visits or repair deadlines. This is ideal for daily checks on emergency heat issues like boiler failure.

Open the NYC311 app and log in with your phone number or email.
Enter your 311 complaint number from the confirmation email or call.
View status updates and estimated timelines for radiator not working fixes.

Next, use Portal.311.nyc.gov for web-based searches. Input your complaint number to see detailed notes on HPD NYC assignments. This portal works well for tracking building temperature code violations across multiple units.

Visit Portal.311.nyc.gov on any browser.
Search by your 311 complaint number or address.
Review status like Assigned to inspector for hot water requirements.

Check BISweb.dob.nyc.gov for DOB NYC violation lookups tied to your building. Search by address or block/lot to find heat-related violations. Combine this with the NYC Open Violations Map for visual heat violation status across NYC.

Go to BISweb.dob.nyc.gov and select violation search.
Enter your building address for NYC housing code issues.
Note open violations for thermostat issues or steam heat problems.

Status	Meaning	Expected Timeline
Open	Complaint received and queued	Immediate assignment
Assigned	Inspector or HPD dispatched	Within 24 hours for emergencies
Inspected	Site visit completed, violation noted	Followed by 24-48 hour repair notice
Corrected	Repairs verified, case closed	7 days max for non-emergencies

After resolution, complete the satisfaction survey in the 311 system. If status stalls, escalate with a new complaint or call 311 for updates on landlord responsibilities.

Escalation Options

When 311 fails within mandated timeframes, escalate through DOB violations and HPD's Emergency Repair Program. After 24 hours for emergencies or 7 days for non-emergencies, take further action. The Department of Buildings issues violations with fines, while HPD's ERP handles repairs and bills the landlord.

Court orders remain available for persistent issues under NYC housing code. Document everything with photos of thermometer readings below 62 degrees nighttime or cold radiators. This builds a strong case for tenant rights NYC during heat season from October to May.

Landlords face civil penalties for violations, including daily fines up to $250 for willful neglect. Common triggers include boiler failure, burst pipes, or radiator issues. Escalate if the building superintendent ignores maintenance requests.

For whole-building outages, request an emergency heat voucher for temporary relief. Vulnerable tenants in senior housing or with children should also contact ACS NYC for health risks like hypothermia. Always report anonymously if fearing retaliation, which is illegal.

DOB Violations

File DOB violations online if no heat after 24 hours using BISweb portal at bis.dob.nyc.gov. This triggers inspections for heat requirements NYC under HMC section 27-2029. Class A violations are immediately hazardous, like apartments below minimum temperature.

Visit bis.dob.nyc.gov and search your building by address.
Select and file an ALT2 heat violation for heating system breakdown.
Upload evidence such as temperature gauge photos or videos of non-working radiators.
DOB inspects within 72 hours and issues notices with fines from $250 to $2000.

If the landlord contests, attend an ECB hearing with your documented complaints. Track open violations on BIS search or violation lookup maps. This enforces landlord responsibilities for boiler inspections and code compliance.

Examples include top-floor cold spots from zone heating failure or lobby heat complaints. Pair with 311 NYC records for stronger proof. Persistent issues lead to court-ordered repairs in housing court NYC.

HPD Emergency Repair Program

HPD's ERP dispatches licensed plumbers within 8 hours to fix heat or hot water at landlord expense. Activate after a failed 311 complaint by calling the HPD Heat Hotline at 212-863-6300. It covers boiler repair, radiator fixes, and emergency hot water emergencies.

HPD responds quickly, often in under an hour for no heat emergencies.
They complete repairs, then bill the landlord plus a 25% penalty.
A violation notice follows, pressuring compliance with hot water requirements.

For building-wide failures like fuel oil delivery delays or frozen pipes, ERP provides relief. Tenants in NYCHA or rent-stabilized units benefit most from this ERP NYC service. Request multilingual support or TTY at 212-504-4115 if needed.

Document issues like thermostat issues or pilot light out beforehand. If super negligence persists, this program enforces owner obligations. Combine with DOB for chronic violations, potentially leading to rent abatement or relocation assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Report No Heat or Hot Water in NYC?

To report no heat or hot water in NYC, call 311 (or 911 in emergencies) and provide your building address, the issue details, and your contact information. The city will dispatch Housing Maintenance Code inspectors to investigate violations under Local Law 43 and Local Law 88.

What are the legal requirements for heat and hot water in NYC apartments?

Landlords must provide heat from October 1 to May 31: at least 68 degreesF from 6 AM to 10 PM if outdoor temperature is below 55 degreesF, and 62 degreesF overnight. Hot water must be 120 degreesF year-round. Report violations via 311 if these aren't met.

How Do I Report No Heat or Hot Water in NYC if it's after hours?

For after-hours reporting of no heat or hot water in NYC, dial 311 anytime-it's a 24/7 service. They log the complaint and prioritize emergencies like total loss of heat during cold weather.

What happens after I report no heat or hot water in NYC?

After reporting no heat or hot water in NYC through 311, an inspector from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will visit within 24-48 hours (faster for severe cases). They can issue violations, fines, or order emergency repairs.

Can I report no heat or hot water in NYC anonymously?

Yes, you can report no heat or hot water in NYC anonymously via 311 or online at NYC.gov/311. However, providing contact info helps follow up on the complaint status using the ticket number provided.

What should I do while waiting for resolution after reporting no heat or hot water in NYC?

While waiting after reporting no heat or hot water in NYC, document the issue with photos/timestamps, keep records of complaints, and notify your landlord in writing. If it's dangerously cold, seek temporary shelter via 311 or visit a warming center.