What Are NYC Heat Season Laws?

January 10, 2026

Ever woken up shivering in your NYC apartment during winter, wondering if your landlord's slacking on the heat? You're not alone-NYC Heat Season laws are here to protect you from freezing temps.

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.

These rules kick in when indoor chills hit dangerous lows, mandating minimum temperatures landlords must provide. We'll break down official dates, legal requirements, tenant rights, remedies like reporting violations, and hefty penalties for non-compliance.

Stay warm-discover how to enforce your rights below!

What is NYC Heat Season?

NYC Heat Season enforces Local Law 28, requiring landlords to maintain safe indoor temperatures from June 1 to September 30 annually, protecting over 1 million tenants from extreme heat. This period falls under NYC Administrative Code 27-2037. It aims to prevent heat-related illnesses during summer months.

The rules trigger when outdoor conditions reach a heat index of 88 degreesF with 80% humidity, entering the danger zone on standard charts. Tenants can open windows for ventilation if indoor air conditioning fails. This addresses the urban heat island effect, where downtown NYC stays about 7 degreesF hotter than surrounding areas.

Landlords must ensure cooling requirements like operable windows and fans meet NYC building codes. Violations lead to DOB inspections via 311 calls. These extreme heat protections support tenant rights during heat waves.

From heat index guidelines to indoor temperature limits, the season promotes public health. Experts recommend checking NWS forecasts for early alerts. This sets the stage for understanding official dates and obligations.

Definition and Purpose

Local Law 28 mandates indoor temperatures cannot exceed 81 degreesF when outdoor temperature hits 88 degreesF with 80% humidity, measured per ASHRAE 55 standards. This defines NYC heat season laws for residential and commercial buildings. The goal is to safeguard against hyperthermia risks through cooling mandates.

Heat index guidelines use charts showing the 88 degreesF plus 80% relative humidity threshold as the danger zone. For example, at 88 degreesF and 80% RH, it feels like 105 degreesF or higher. Landlords calculate relative humidity as current RH times temp difference for compliance checks.

NYC DOB Heat Season Guide outlines psychrometric chart examples for precise measurements. Tenants report excessive heat violations to 311 for DOB heat complaints. This ensures ventilation standards like operable windows and fans during heat emergencies.

Purpose centers on heat stroke prevention and heat stress management. Experts recommend natural ventilation rules, such as keeping windows open with screens. These measures align with landlord obligations under New York City heat rules.

Official Dates

NYC Heat Season officially runs June 1 through September 30, per NYC Administrative Code, with daily monitoring starting May 29 when forecasts hit 90 degreesF+. This spans about 120 days of heat season regulations. Early activation protects against sudden heat waves.

In 2023, it started May 30 due to a heat wave, triggered by NOAA forecasts. NWS Heat Index warnings prompt DOB inspections and HPD heat violations. Tenants gain rights to request cooling centers NYC if indoors exceed limits.

Key dates include heat season start date on June 1 and heat season end date September 30, unless extended. Landlords prepare air conditioning mandates and window AC rules beforehand. Check daily for 90-degree triggers via weather service integration.

During this timeline, focus on heat season compliance like fan requirements and backup cooling plans. Report issues through 311 heat service for quick response. These dates ensure consistent extreme heat policy across NYC summer codes.

Legal Temperature Requirements

NYC law caps indoor temperatures at 81 degreesF during heat season when outdoor conditions exceed 88 degreesF at 80% humidity, measured 3 feet from floor. This falls under NYC Admin Code 27-2037, which sets temperature standards based on ASHRAE 55 thermal comfort guidelines with an upper limit around 80-81 degreesF. Measurements take the highest room temperature, positioned 3 feet from the floor and away from windows.

Landlords must ensure window AC rules compliance, including operable windows for ventilation. During heat season dates from May to September, these extreme heat protections activate when the 88 degree rule and 80 percent humidity trigger. Tenants can report violations via 311 heat service or DOB heat complaints.

The protocol focuses on the warmest spot in living areas between 6am and 10pm. Indoor temperature limits aim to prevent heat-related illnesses like heat stroke. Building owners face heat season fines for non-compliance during high temperature thresholds.

These NYC heat ordinance rules, part of Local Law 28, outline landlord obligations for cooling requirements. Natural ventilation standards apply where AC is absent. Experts recommend monitoring with a thermometer for accurate checks.

Minimum Indoor Temperatures

Maximum indoor temperature cannot exceed 81 degreesF OR outdoor temp minus 4 degreesF (whichever is higher), measured between 6am-10pm daily. Place your thermometer 3 feet from the floor, away from windows or AC units. Record the highest reading in the room for compliance checks.

Follow this actionable guide: first, position the thermometer correctly; second, check during specified hours; third, compare to outdoor conditions. For example, if outdoor temp hits 88 degreesF, indoor max is 81 degreesF. At 95 degreesF outdoors, allow up to 88 degreesF inside.

Outdoor Temperature	Maximum Indoor Temperature
88 degreesF	81 degreesF
95 degreesF	88 degreesF

DOB inspections follow this protocol during heat wave laws. Violations occur after 3 consecutive days over the limit, triggering HPD heat violations. Tenants gain rights like rent withholding for excessive heat violations.

Exceptions and Exemptions

Single-room occupancy hotels, buildings without central HVAC, and properties with approved natural ventilation plans are exempt from AC requirements. These fall under Local Law 60/2017 for SROs and pre-1960 walk-ups. Owners must certify ventilation standards to qualify.

Key exemptions include:

SROs under Local Law 60/2017
Pre-1960 walk-up buildings
Certification for natural ventilation
Windows opening to more than 8% of floor area
Emergency declarations by city officials

Apply for exemptions using DOB Form HS-1, detailing ventilation or building features. In a 2023 Brooklyn case, an SRO gained approval after proving adequate airflow. This process supports heat season compliance without full AC mandates.

Exempt properties still need operable windows requirement and window screens heat rules. During heat emergencies, additional measures like fans apply. Tenants in exempt buildings should verify ventilation to avoid heat stress management issues.

Landlord Responsibilities

Under the NYC Housing Maintenance Code, landlords face strict obligations during heat season, which runs from June 1 to September 30. They must ensure indoor spaces stay safe from excessive heat, addressing NYC heat season laws to protect tenants from heat-related illnesses. Failure to comply triggers violations from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

Landlords must maintain operable windows, functional AC units (if provided), and temperatures below 81 degreesF during heat season or face HPD violations. Core duties include servicing cooling systems, testing ventilation, and responding to complaints within set times. The HPD Heat Season Checklist outlines these requirements for compliance.

For heat complaints, landlords have 24 hours to address immediate dangers like non-working AC in extreme heat, and 48 hours for other issues. Tenants can report via 311, leading to inspections under extreme heat protections. Keeping detailed service logs helps avoid fines and proves adherence to cooling requirements.

These rules tie into broader NYC building codes, including window AC rules and indoor temperature limits. Landlords should prepare by reviewing the HPD checklist early, ensuring systems meet high temperature thresholds like the 88 degree rule combined with humidity. This maintenance prevents excessive heat violations and supports tenant rights during heat waves.

Heating System Maintenance

Landlords must service window AC units annually, ensure operable windows (minimum 8% floor area), and provide exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms per NYC Mechanical Code. These steps align with heat season regulations to maintain ventilation standards and prevent heat stress. Regular checks keep units efficient during peak summer heat.

Follow this numbered maintenance checklist before the heat season start date on June 1:

Clean or replace AC filters annually to ensure proper airflow and energy efficiency.
Test all windows to open at least 45 degrees and cover at least 8% of floor area for natural ventilation.
Verify exhaust fans deliver a minimum of 100 CFM in kitchens and bathrooms, per building ventilation codes.
Confirm CO detectors are functional, especially with AC use to avoid carbon monoxide risks.
Inspect electrical panels to confirm they are rated for AC load, preventing circuit breaker trips.

HPD issues violations in classes A through C for non-compliance, with class C being the most severe for health hazards. Landlords must maintain a service log documenting all work, available for DOB inspections. For example, in a two-bedroom apartment, ensure both bathroom fans meet CFM standards to avoid heat buildup.

These practices support NYC heat ordinance like Local Law 28, focusing on operable windows requirement and fan requirements. During heat emergencies, functional systems provide summer heat protections. Experts recommend scheduling professional servicing in May to meet the heat season timeline fully.

Tenant Rights and Remedies

The Housing Stability Code offers strong protections under NYC heat season laws. Tenants facing excessive indoor heat have multiple remedies available, including rent abatement tied to NYC Rent Guidelines Board standards. These cover violations of indoor temperature limits and cooling requirements during heat season dates from May to September.

Tenants can call 311 for immediate heat complaints, pursue rent abatement up to 100% during violations, and claim constructive eviction if conditions make the unit uninhabitable. This ensures landlords meet extreme heat protections like the 88 degree rule and 80 percent humidity thresholds. Reporting starts a process that leads to inspections and enforcement.

Landlords must provide operable windows and ventilation standards for natural cooling. Failure triggers tenant rights heat remedies, from fines to emergency repairs. Always document issues to build a strong case for abatement or legal action.

Transition to reporting by first checking violation history, then contacting authorities. This pathway enforces NYC heat ordinance and Local Law 28, protecting against urban heat island effects and heat-related illnesses.

Reporting Violations

Call 311 immediately (24/7 response) and provide building address, apartment number, measured indoor temp, and photos of thermometer/windows. Select Heat Complaint from the menu for NYC heat season laws violations. This starts the 311 heat service process with HPD oversight.

Call 311 and choose 'Heat Complaint' option.
Check NYC DOB Violation History online first for prior issues.
Document with timestamped photos showing indoor thermometer reading and closed windows.
Follow up through the 311 portal for updates.
Expect an HPD inspector within 24-48 hours.

Sample 311 script: "I'm reporting a heat violation at [address], apartment [number]. Indoor temp is [reading] above high temperature thresholds, windows are open per heat season window open rules, but no relief." This covers DOB heat complaints and ensures quick response. Keep records for rent withholding heat claims later.

These steps enforce heat season regulations like air conditioning mandates and window AC rules. Photos prove non-compliance with landlord obligations for cooling during heat waves.

Emergency Actions

For immediate danger (95 degreesF+ indoors), tenants can withhold rent after 3-day notice, break lease without penalty, or seek emergency repair funds from NYC Emergency Repair Program. This addresses heat emergency response under residential heat laws. Act fast to avoid heat stroke prevention risks in NYC heat vulnerability zones.

Send a 3-Day Rent Demand Letter via certified mail detailing violations.
Withhold rent and place into escrow account with court filing.
Apply for Emergency Repair Program, up to $15K max for fixes.
File constructive eviction lawsuit in Housing Part court.
Contact Legal Aid Society for free help at 212-962-4795.

In a 2023 case, a tenant won $12K abatement for prolonged excessive heat violations. Use this for constructive eviction heat claims when units fail ventilation standards or operable windows requirement. Combine with DOB inspections heat for stronger evidence.

Explore cooling centers NYC or public health heat resources during outages. These actions support heat abatement process and tenant harassment heat protections, ensuring compliance with NYC summer codes and extreme heat policy.

Enforcement and Penalties

HPD issues Class B ($250-$500) and Class C ($500-$1,000) violations for heat season non-compliance, with daily compounding fines up to $20,000. These penalties target landlords who fail to meet indoor temperature limits during heat season dates from May to September. Tenants can report issues via 311 for prompt response.

Enforcement involves multi-agency oversight, with HPD focusing on residential multi-family buildings and DOB handling commercial properties. Violations fall into a classification system where severity determines fines. Repeat offenses lead to escalated penalties under NYC heat season laws.

Landlords face daily fines until compliance, encouraging quick fixes like providing operable windows or air conditioning mandates. Tenants should document excessive heat violations with photos and temperatures. This system protects against heat-related illnesses during high temperature thresholds.

Practical steps include requesting HPD inspections for non-working window AC units or poor ventilation standards. Experts recommend keeping records for potential rent withholding heat cases. Compliance avoids constructive eviction heat claims and supports tenant rights heat.

NYC Agency Oversight

HPD handles residential complaints (98% of cases), DOB oversees commercial buildings, and Emergency Management activates cooling centers during heat emergencies. This division ensures broad coverage under New York City heat rules. Call 311 to start the process for any heat season regulations breach.

HPD responds quickly to landlord obligations failures, like ignoring the 88 degree rule. DOB targets DOB heat complaints in lofts and offices, enforcing cooling requirements. OEM provides immediate relief at cooling centers NYC during extreme heat protections events.

Agency	Jurisdiction	Phone	Fine Range	Inspection Time
HPD	Multi-family residential	311	$250-$20K	24-72hrs
DOB	Commercial/Loft	311	$1K-$25K	7-14 days
OEM	Cooling centers	311	N/A	Immediate

In 2023, agencies issued 18,742 heat violations, showing active heat code enforcement. Tenants in hot apartments should use 311 heat service for HPD heat violations. Commercial workers report to DOB for workplace heat NYC issues.

For heat emergencies, OEM offers heat emergency response with cooling centers. Landlords must address fan requirements heat or window AC rules promptly. This oversight promotes heat season compliance and public health heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are NYC Heat Season Laws?

NYC Heat Season Laws refer to regulations under the NYC Heat Code and Local Law 88 requiring landlords to provide adequate cooling during hot weather. From June 1 to September 30 (heat season), buildings with 6+ units must ensure indoor temperatures do not exceed 81 degreesF when outdoor temperature is 81 degreesF or higher, or supply air conditioning if installed. Tenants can report violations to 311.

When does NYC Heat Season start and end under these laws?

Under What Are NYC Heat Season Laws?, the official NYC Heat Season runs from June 1 through September 30 each year. During this period, landlords must maintain habitable indoor conditions by providing ventilation, fans, or air conditioning where available to prevent excessive heat buildup.

What are the landlord obligations during NYC Heat Season Laws?

What Are NYC Heat Season Laws? outline that landlords must repair or provide air conditioning units if the building has central AC or individual units. If no AC is present, they must open windows for ventilation or supply fans. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $10,000 per violation enforced by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).

What should tenants do if What Are NYC Heat Season Laws? are violated?

If What Are NYC Heat Season Laws? are not followed, tenants should first notify their landlord in writing. If unresolved within 24 hours, call 311 to file a heat complaint. HPD inspectors may visit, and tenants can also pursue emergency repair programs or withhold rent through housing court after proper notice.

Do What Are NYC Heat Season Laws? apply to all buildings?

What Are NYC Heat Season Laws? primarily apply to multiple dwellings with six or more residential units built before 1969, but newer buildings with AC systems must also comply. Single-family homes and smaller buildings are exempt, though general habitability laws still require safe temperatures year-round.

Are there penalties for violating What Are NYC Heat Season Laws??

Yes, violating What Are NYC Heat Season Laws? can lead to civil penalties starting at $250 per violation, escalating to $10,000 for repeat offenses. HPD can issue violations, order repairs, or place buildings in emergency repair programs where the city fixes issues and bills the owner.