What Temperature Must NYC Landlords Maintain?
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Shivering through a New York winter because your landlord skimps on heat? You're not alone-NYC law mandates strict standards to protect tenants from the cold. This guide breaks down the Housing Maintenance Code, minimum temperatures (65 degreesF daytime, 62 degreesF overnight), covered buildings, landlord duties, tenant remedies like 311 reporting and rent withholding, penalties, and special cases. Discover your rights before the heating season hits.
Legal Basis for Heat Standards
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NYC landlords must comply with three core legal frameworks that establish mandatory heat requirements, with violations triggering HPD inspections and fines up to $25,000 per incident. These include the NYC Housing Maintenance Code, New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, and recent Local Law 43 updates. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) enforces these rules through tenant complaints via 311 calls.
Landlords face HPD violation notices and correction orders for failing heat standards during the heating season. Tenants in cold apartments can report issues, leading to emergency repairs for boiler system failures. Property owners must document thermostat settings and radiator heat to avoid penalties.
These laws protect tenant rights under the warranty of habitability, covering multifamily buildings and rent-stabilized units. For example, a landlord ignoring a heat complaint risks housing court action. The frameworks ensure minimum indoor temperatures from October 1 to May 31.
Enforcement involves DOB inspections for heating equipment and potential rent withholding by tenants. Building superintendents must respond to maintenance requests promptly. This system promotes safe, habitable conditions year-round.
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New York City Housing Maintenance Code
Section 27-2029 of the NYC Housing Maintenance Code (HMC) mandates landlords maintain indoor temperatures of 68 degreesF during daytime and 62 degreesF overnight from October 1-May 31. Section 27-2005 defines key terms like dwelling units and heating facilities. The code states: Every dwelling unit shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum temperature.
Landlords must equip units with central heating or hot water radiators capable of meeting these standards. For instance, in a drafty walk-up, extra insulation helps achieve legal temperatures. Tenants can use thermometer readings to verify compliance.
Key enforcement mechanisms include:
- 311 heat complaints prompting HPD visits and violation notices.
- Emergency repair orders for broken boilers within 24 hours.
- Civil penalties escalating for repeat housing code violations.
Owners of rent-controlled apartments should log temperature maintenance daily. This prevents constructive eviction claims and ensures child safety in winter.
New York State Multiple Dwelling Law
Section 78 of the Multiple Dwelling Law requires heating systems in buildings with 3+ units to deliver 68 degreesF when outdoor temperature is below 55 degreesF. Sections 75-79 cover heating equipment standards like steam heat and forced air systems. These apply to most NYC multifamily buildings.
State rules align closely with city requirements but emphasize equipment reliability. A 2023 amendment mandates stricter boiler inspections to prevent failures. Landlords must service furnaces before the heating season starts.
| Aspect | State MDL | NYC HMC |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime Temperature | 68 degreesF below 55 degreesF outdoor | 68 degreesF Oct 1-May 31 |
| Nighttime Temperature | 62 degreesF | 62 degreesF 10pm-7am |
| Applies To | 3+ unit buildings | All dwelling units |
Tenants in Section 8 or NYCHA housing benefit from these overlapping protections. Report issues via tenant hotlines for quick HPD action.
Local Law 43 of 2023 Updates
Local Law 43 mandates annual boiler inspections by October 31 and $2,000 fines for non-compliant heating systems in buildings with 80+ units. It requires digital reporting to HPD for transparency. Landlords must address emergency repairs within 24 hours to avoid escalation.
These updates strengthen winter heating rules for luxury buildings and co-ops. For example, a corporate landlord must upload inspection results online. This helps prevent hypothermia risks for elderly tenants.
| Aspect | Before Local Law 43 | After Local Law 43 |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection Deadline | No fixed date | October 31 annually |
| Reporting | Paper-based | Digital to HPD |
| Penalties | Up to $10,000 | $2,000+ per violation |
| Repair Timeline | Variable | 24 hours for emergencies |
Property managers should use smart thermostats for compliance tracking. Tenants gain stronger recourse through these habitability standards, including potential treble damages in court.
Required Minimum Temperatures
NYC requires 68 degreesF from 6 AM-10 PM and 62 degreesF overnight during heating season, measured 2 feet from the floor, away from radiators. Temperatures follow NYC Housing Maintenance Code (HMC) standards, with readings taken at the room's center. This ensures habitable temperature for tenants in multifamily buildings and single family rentals.
Place the thermometer 2 feet above the floor and at least 3 feet from heat sources like radiators or vents. Imagine a simple diagram: a room outline with a dot in the center at knee height, arrows pointing away from walls and heating elements. Keep it away from drafty windows to avoid false lows.
Landlords track compliance with temperature logs, noting time, reading, and conditions like radiator heat output. Tenants facing cold apartment issues can file a 311 call for HPD inspection. These rules apply to rent stabilization, market rate, and Section 8 units alike.
Violations lead to HPD violations, fines, or rent withholding under warranty of habitability. Maintain central heating, steam heat, or hot water radiators properly. Experts recommend daily checks during peak winter to meet landlord obligations.
Heating Season Dates (Oct 1 - May 31)
Heat season runs October 1-May 31 regardless of weather, with emergency heat required when outdoor temperature drops below 40 degreesF anytime. This fixed period under Local Law 55 protects tenants from cold snaps. It covers all NYC buildings with five or more units.
| Date Range | Requirement |
|---|---|
| October 1 to May 31 | Standard heat: 68 degreesF daytime, 62 degreesF overnight |
| Anytime below 40 degreesF | Emergency heat activation |
| Below 32 degreesF | Freeze protection for pipes |
Common landlord mistakes include ending heat early on mild days, ignoring pre-October chills, or skipping post-May cold fronts. One owner delayed boiler startup until mid-October, facing HPD fines. Document weather with official readings for defense in housing court.
- Assume heat needed until June 1, even in warm springs.
- Monitor forecasts for 40 degreesF triggers outside season.
- Train supers to log dates in maintenance requests.
65 degreesF Minimum (6 AM - 10 PM)
Landlords must maintain 68 degreesF between 6 AM-10 PM, measured at room center, 4.5 feet above floor per HMC 27-2029. Corrected from older 65 degreesF rules, this daytime standard ensures comfort during waking hours. Use a digital thermometer for accurate indoor temperature checks.
Follow protocol: position device away from drafts, doors, or direct sun. Log readings hourly in peak cold, noting thermostat settings and radiator status. A sample log template lists date, time, temp, location, and notes like "boiler system running full".
- ThermoPro TP50: Affordable digital for precise reads.
- AcuRite model: Basic indoor gauge with easy display.
- Any Energy Star rated thermometer for reliability.
Address issues like insulation problems or drafty windows promptly. Tenants report via work order; delayed response risks constructive eviction claims. Regular HVAC maintenance prevents violations.
62 degreesF Minimum (10 PM - 6 AM)
Overnight minimum drops to 62 degreesF from 10 PM-6 AM, allowing 55 degreesF if heat is on and registers 62 degreesF at supply valve. The 'heat on' rule means radiator valve open and system operating. This balances energy use with tenant comfort in sleeping hours.
Proper measurement shows thermometer midway up wall, not near bed or floor vents. Improper spots like above a cold window skew low, inviting complaints. Picture proper: centered, clear of obstacles; improper: hugging radiator.
Tenant documentation checklist includes photos of thermometer, radiator steam, and timestamps. Log multiple rooms for large units. If forced air systems falter, check filters and belts.
- Verify valve fully open nightly.
- Note ambient vs. supply temps.
- Report persistent lows to HPD.
Outdoor Temperature Triggers
Heat required when outdoor temperature is 55 degreesF or below; emergency heat mandated below 40 degreesF per HPD protocols. These triggers override season dates for safety. Use official weather data to confirm compliance during disputes.
| Outdoor Temp | Indoor Requirement |
|---|---|
| 55 degreesF or below | Standard heat (68 degreesF/62 degreesF) |
| Below 40 degreesF | Emergency heat full operation |
| 32 degreesF or below | Freeze protection, constant heat |
Landlords reference NOAA stations for legal proof in violations. A sudden 35 degreesF drop demands immediate boiler checks. Protect elderly tenants and child safety from hypothermia risk.
Prep for triggers with programmable thermostats like Nest models. Tenants facing health hazards can call 311 for urgent HPD action. Prevent freezing pipes with continuous low heat if needed.
Buildings Covered by Regulations
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Regulations apply to all rental buildings with 1+ tenants except owner-occupied single-family homes where owner provides own utilities. These rules stem from the NYC Housing Maintenance Code (HMC) and ensure minimum temperature standards during the heating season from October 31 to May 1. Coverage depends on the certificate of occupancy, which classifies buildings by use and unit count.
Multifamily buildings, rentals in condos or co-ops, and even some single-family setups fall under these heat requirements. Landlords must maintain habitable temperature in all living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms. Check your building's certificate through the Department of Buildings (DOB) to confirm obligations.
Single and two-family rentals often require central heating if rented long-term. Exemptions apply to specific owner-occupied cases or short-term stays. Next, review rules for multiple dwellings with 3+ units, then single or two-family properties.
Tenants facing a cold apartment can file a heat complaint via 311, triggering HPD violation inspections. Landlords should track thermostat settings and temperature logs to avoid housing court issues or rent withholding under warranty of habitability.
Multiple Dwellings (3+ Units)
Buildings with 3+ units require centrally controlled heating systems per HMC 27-2005 and Multiple Dwelling Law 75. This covers apartments, condos, and co-ops (rentals only) used as multifamily housing. All habitable space must meet square footage rules, typically 80 square feet minimum per room for heat delivery.
Landlord obligations include radiator heat, boiler systems, or forced air setups maintaining 68 degrees Fahrenheit when outdoor temperature is below 55 degrees. Kitchens and bathrooms need 68 degrees from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., dropping to 62 degrees overnight. Inspect HVAC maintenance regularly to prevent drafts or insulation issues.
| Covered Building Types | Square Footage for Heat |
|---|---|
| Apartments, condos, co-op rentals | 80+ sq ft per habitable room |
| Rooming houses with shared spaces | All common areas included |
| Elevator buildings, walk-ups | Full coverage per unit |
Exemptions are rare but include certain pre-1940 structures if documented. Use a thermometer reading for compliance proof during DOB inspections. Tenants in rent stabilized units have strong tenant rights for emergency repairs.
Single/Two-Family Rental Units
Single/two-family rentals where owner doesn't occupy require same heat standards if rented for 30+ days. This includes rooming houses, sublets, and long-term Airbnb stays under short-term rental rules. Central heating or equivalent must provide indoor temperature of 68 degrees during heating season.
Exclude private homes where tenant pays utilities directly via Con Edison. Lease agreements should specify utility responsibility, like "Landlord provides heat through boiler system; tenant covers electricity." For sublets, original lease terms often bind the owner.
- Rooming houses: Heat all shared bedrooms to habitable temperature.
- Sublets in single-family: 30+ day rentals trigger HMC compliance.
- Airbnb 30+ days: Counts as rental with landlord obligations.
Landlords in market rate or Section 8 properties face HPD violations for failures. Advise tenants to document with photos during pre-move inspection. Include clauses like "Owner maintains heating system for winter heating."
Exemptions (Owner-Occupied)
Owner-occupied single-family homes exempt if owner pays heating utilities and rents less than entire property. These fall outside NYC Housing Maintenance Code scope for temperature maintenance. Tenants in partial rentals, like a basement apartment, may still claim rights if heat is inadequate.
- Owner-occupied SFD with owner utilities.
- Tenant-paid utilities in private homes.
- Private homes not fully rented.
- Short-term stays under 30 days.
The legal test for exemption checks occupancy certificate and lease terms. Courts review if the setup functions as a multiple dwelling. Owners should note "Owner-occupied, tenant utilities separate" in leases to clarify.
For borderline cases, like renting one room in an owner-occupied house, consult housing court precedents on warranty of habitability. Tenants can challenge via 311 if facing health hazards like freezing pipes. Landlords avoid fines by verifying status early.
Landlord Responsibilities
NYC landlords face strict landlord obligations under the NYC Housing Maintenance Code (HMC) to ensure habitable temperature during the heating season from October 31 to May 1. Beyond providing heat, they must address drafts, insulation issues, and boiler system failures to meet minimum temperature standards. The Service Level Agreement (SLA) requires response times of 24 hours for emergencies and up to 72 hours for other violations.
Landlords must provide operable heating, daily temperature verification, and 24-72 hour repairs depending on severity. This includes maintaining central heating systems like radiators or forced air in multifamily buildings, rent-stabilized units, and market-rate apartments. Tenant rights protect against cold apartments through 311 calls to report heat complaints, triggering HPD violations.
Failure to comply risks Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) inspections, fines, and housing court actions. Property owners, managing agents, and building supers must prioritize winter heating to avoid hypothermia risk for elderly tenants and child safety concerns. Proactive HVAC maintenance supports energy efficiency and prevents freezing pipes.
These rules apply to corporate landlords, individual owners, Section 8 voucher holders, and even short-term rentals under Airbnb regulations. Tenants can reference lease agreements for utility responsibility and pursue rent withholding or HP action if needed. Experts recommend documenting issues with photos for legal aid or small claims court.
Providing Working Heat Systems
Landlords must maintain heating equipment capable of 68 degreesF output, per HMC 27-2008 inspections. Required systems include hot water radiators, steam heat, and forced air setups common in NYC multifamily buildings. Annual maintenance keeps boilers, furnaces, and radiators compliant with building code standards.
Schedule inspections before the heating season starts on October 31. A simple template: check boiler pressure monthly, bleed radiators weekly, and test thermostats quarterly. Common failure modes involve clogged pipes or faulty pumps, often costing hundreds in furnace repair.
For drafty windows and insulation issues, seal gaps and add weatherstripping to support radiator heat efficiency. Central heating in elevator buildings or walk-ups demands on-site superintendents for quick fixes. Con Edison utility bills rise without proper upkeep, but energy star-rated systems cut costs long-term.
Landlords in rent-controlled or luxury buildings must meet these heat requirements uniformly. DOB inspections enforce compliance, issuing correction notices for violations. Proactive care prevents HPD violations and ensures indoor temperature stays at legal levels.
Daily Temperature Monitoring
Building supers must record temperatures daily in common areas and sample units, maintaining logs for 3 years. Check at 10 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM using a reliable thermometer for accurate readings. This verifies thermostat settings meet 68 degrees Fahrenheit when outdoors is above 55 degrees with heat on.
Create a temperature log template with columns for date, time, location, reading, and notes on issues like drafty windows. Digital tools such as Nest Thermostat or Ecobee, around $249, automate monitoring in apartments. Programmable heat adjusts for energy efficiency while logging data automatically.
In doorman service buildings or single-family rentals, supers post logs visibly for tenant review. This practice supports tenant rights during heat complaints and 311 calls. Retain records to defend against housing court claims or rent stabilization disputes.
For sublets or roommate rights, owners ensure shared spaces hit habitable temperature. Smart thermostats alert to drops below 62 degreesF, aiding mold prevention and health hazards. Consistent monitoring upholds warranty of habitability and avoids constructive eviction risks.
Repair Timelines for Failures
Emergency heat failures below 55 degreesF: 24 hours; Class B below 62 degreesF: 72 hours; Class C: immediate action under HMC rules. NYC landlords must adhere to strict timelines to maintain indoor temperature and prevent freezing pipes or hypothermia risk. HPD enforces these with fines for delays.
| Violation Type | Timeline | Fine per Day | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency (below 55 degreesF) | 24 hours | $250 | No heat in winter, health hazard |
| Class B (below 62 degreesF) | 72 hours | $125 | Partial heating failure |
| Class A | 14 days | Varies | Minor system issues |
Keep an emergency contractor list for 24-hour service on boilers or radiators. Respond to maintenance requests via work order tickets promptly to meet SLA standards. Tenants filing 311 calls trigger DOB or HPD visits, escalating to correction notices.
For elderly tenants or child safety, prioritize repairs to uphold fair housing and habitability standards. Document efforts to avoid treble damages in small claims court. Seasonal heating failures in NYCHA or Mitchell-Lama buildings face extra scrutiny from the attorney general.
Tenant Rights and Remedies
Tenants can report violations via 311, triggering HPD inspections within 24 hours for emergency complaints. This starts a clear enforcement path from complaint to remedy under the NYC Housing Maintenance Code. Follow steps like documenting issues, HPD inspections, violations, and potential rent adjustments.
Success often depends on solid evidence such as thermometer readings and photos. Timelines vary, with emergencies addressed fastest, while standard cases may take days to weeks. Tenants see remedies through fines, repairs, or rent reductions.
Start by calling 311 for a ticket number, then track HPD action. If unresolved, escalate to rent withholding or housing court. This protects tenant rights during the heating season from October 31 to May 1.
Landlords face HPD violations for failing minimum temperature standards like 68 degrees Fahrenheit daytime. Tenants gain leverage with proof of cold apartment conditions. Transition now to specific reporting steps.
Reporting Violations (311)
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Call 311 (or 311 app) and provide: address, unit #, thermometer readings, photos of radiators. This logs your heat complaint officially with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Expect quick response for emergency heat issues.
- Document with a ThermoPro thermometer ($15), logging times and 68 degrees Fahrenheit failures.
- Take radiator photos showing steam heat or hot water radiator operation.
- Call 311 with this script: "My apartment at [address] is [X] degrees, below legal temperature. Radiators are on but cold. Send inspector now."
- Get the ticket # and note the date for follow-up.
In 2023, most complaints received inspections within 24 hours. Keep temperature logs for HPD violation proof. This step enforces landlord obligations under Local Law 55.
Report drafty windows or boiler system failures too. Multiple calls build a record for housing court. Tenants in rent-stabilized units have extra protections here.
HP Action Process
HPD issues violations within 24-72 hours: Class C (immediate, $500+), Class B (72hr, $250), Class A (14 days, $125). The process flows from complaint to inspection, then violation notice if heat requirements fail. Landlords get correction deadlines.
| Step | Timeline | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint | Immediate | Ticket assigned |
| Inspection | 24-72 hours | Temperature check |
| Violation | Post-inspection | Class issued |
| Correction Notice | With violation | Repair deadline |
| Compliance | Per class | Re-inspection |
Landlords can appeal violations, but dismissals occur if fixed promptly. Track via HPD online portal with your ticket. Persistent issues lead to fines and emergency repair orders.
For multifamily buildings, HPD coordinates with DOB inspections. Tenants report non-compliance for re-inspection. This upholds habitability standards like 55 degrees with heat on.
Rent Withholding/Abatement
Tenants can withhold rent after HPD violation or sue for abatement (10-100% reduction based on severity). A 68 degreesF failure often equals 50% abatement for the cold period. Use this for warranty of habitability breaches.
Safety steps for rent withholding: notify landlord in writing, escrow funds, cite violation ticket. Courts award based on $5,000 examples for prolonged health hazard like hypothermia risk. Legal aid helps with paperwork.
- Calculate abatement: full month at 50% for total indoor temperature failure.
- Sue in housing court or small claims for back rent adjustments.
- Escrow rent to show good faith, avoiding eviction claims.
Cases succeed with thermometer reading proof and HPD records. Elderly tenants or families cite child safety for higher awards. This enforces NYC landlords temperature maintenance year-round.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Violations of NYC heat requirements carry $125-$25,000 fines. Repeat offenders face misdemeanor or criminal charges with jail time. The penalty structure escalates from civil fines to criminal prosecution based on severity and repetition.
In 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development issued over 45,000 violations for heat complaints alone. Enforcement focuses on landlord obligations during the heating season from October 31 to May 1. Tenants report issues via 311 calls, triggering HPD inspections.
HPD violations lead to correction notices and fines per day of non-compliance. Persistent failures risk housing court actions or Attorney General intervention. Landlords must address minimum temperature standards to avoid escalation.
Understanding this structure helps NYC landlords prioritize winter heating maintenance. Proactive boiler system checks prevent building code violations. Tenants gain leverage through documented heat complaints for rent withholding or repairs.
Fines and Violations
2024 HPD fines break down by class: Class C ($500-$2,000), Class B ($250-$1,000), Class A ($125-$500), per violation per day. These apply to failures in maintaining 68 degrees Fahrenheit when outdoors is 55 degrees or colder, or 62 degrees otherwise. Landlords receive notices to correct heating system issues promptly.
| Violation Class | Fine Range (Per Day) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Class C | $500-$2,000 | No heat below 50 degreesF for 48+ hours; radiator failures in multiple units |
| Class B | $250-$1,000 | Inadequate thermostat settings; drafty windows causing cold apartments |
| Class A | $125-$500 | Minor boiler delays; single-unit heat complaints |
In 2023, HPD issued over $12M in fines for heat-related issues. Repeat violations multiply penalties, doubling for second offenses within a year. Landlords should track temperature logs to prove compliance during inspections.
Practical steps include scheduling HVAC maintenance before October 31. Tenants can use thermometer readings for 311 calls. This system enforces NYC Housing Maintenance Code habitability standards effectively.
Class C Felony Thresholds
Class C felony charges arise under Penal Law 260.25 for 3+ violations within 6 months, especially heat failures endangering children or elderly below 50 degreesF for over 48 hours. Penalties include 3.5-15 years in prison. This targets severe neglect of habitable temperature in multifamily buildings.
Triggers involve prolonged cold apartment conditions posing hypothermia risk or child safety threats. Prosecutors review HPD records and tenant complaints. Landlords face felony endangerment if failures persist despite notices.
A 2022 Brooklyn case saw a landlord sentenced to 2-7 years for apartments at 42 degreesF. The building had 20+ HPD violations over winter, affecting elderly tenants. Courts emphasized warranty of habitability breaches.
To avoid this, maintain central heating systems and respond to emergency repair requests. Document radiator heat output and insulation fixes. Experts recommend annual furnace repairs before the heating season.
Criminal Prosecution Cases
In 2023, authorities filed 17 criminal heat cases, securing 8 convictions with average $150K fines plus 18 months jail. These stem from repeated minimum temperature failures under Local Law 55. Prosecutors prioritize cases with health hazards like freezing pipes or mold prevention lapses.
- Bronx landlord fined $450K in 2022 for 50+ violations in a rent-stabilized building; ordered emergency heat fixes.
- Manhattan felony case resulted in 5 years probation for a corporate landlord; involved sublet units below 55 degrees with heat on.
- Queens owner got 1 year jail in 2023 for ignoring elderly tenants' complaints; Attorney General intervened after 311 calls.
AG thresholds include patterns of non-compliance in market rate or Section 8 properties. Criminal charges follow civil penalties if landlords ignore correction notices. Housing court often precedes prosecution.
Landlords can mitigate risks with on-site superintendents and 24-hour emergency response. Tenants benefit from legal aid for heat complaints. Consistent enforcement upholds tenant rights in NYC rentals.
Special Circumstances
Special rules apply to steam heat, unit heaters, and summer cooling requirements from June 1 to Sept 30. NYC landlords face non-standard heating systems and seasonal exceptions under the NYC Housing Maintenance Code. Compliance testing often involves direct measurements like pipe temperatures or BTU output.
Landlords must understand these variations to meet heat requirements and avoid HPD violations. For instance, older multifamily buildings with radiator heat or individual units require specific checks. Transitioning to scenarios helps clarify landlord obligations during winter heating or cooling seasons.
Experts recommend keeping temperature logs for defense in housing court. Tenants can file a 311 call for heat complaints, triggering inspections. Proper maintenance prevents issues like freezing pipes or hypothermia risk for elderly tenants.
These rules ensure habitable temperature in cold apartments. Buildings with central heating or forced air systems follow standard guidelines, but specials demand extra attention. Always document thermostat settings and thermometer readings for compliance.
Steam Heat Systems
Steam systems must deliver 120 degreesF water temperature at risers. Measure pipe temperature with a minimum of 140 degreesF. Valves should open two full turns for proper flow.
Pipes must feel hot to the touch during the heating season from October 31 to May 1. Use an infrared thermometer like the Klein IR1 for accurate readings around $35. This tool helps NYC landlords verify compliance without guesswork.
Troubleshoot common issues with this simple flow chart: first, check if the boiler system is running. Next, ensure radiator valves are open and bleed air if needed. If pipes remain cool, inspect for blockages or call for furnace repair.
- Confirm boiler pressure gauge reads normal.
- Listen for steam hissing in pipes.
- Record temperatures daily during complaints.
Steam heat demands regular HVAC maintenance to meet Local Law 55 standards. Tenants in rent-stabilized units gain strong rights here. Non-compliance risks fines or emergency repairs ordered by HPD.
Individual Unit Heaters
Room units must be tenant-controlled, landlord-provided, and capable of 68 degreesF in the largest room. NYC landlords calculate required output at about 5,000 BTU per 100 square feet. This ensures minimum temperature even in drafty windows.
Choose approved models from HPD lists for heating system compliance. Electrical setups need dedicated 20A circuits to avoid overloads. Install carbon monoxide detectors nearby for safety.
For a 400 sq ft apartment, select units totaling at least 20,000 BTU. Position heaters away from insulation issues or beds for child safety. Test during pre-move inspections to confirm performance.
- Verify UL-listed for fire code.
- Mount securely in walk-up buildings.
- Provide operating instructions in lease agreements.
These units suit luxury buildings or sublets without central heating. Maintain them to uphold warranty of habitability and prevent rent withholding. Document work orders for response time under service level agreements.
Air Conditioning Season Rules
No mandatory AC exists, but buildings advertising central AC must maintain a maximum of 81 degreesF from June 1 to Sept 30. This falls under HMC ventilation standards like 27-2009. NYC landlords ensure operable systems for tenant rights.
Units advertised as 85 degreesF max must perform reliably. Meet electrical safety standards for window ACs on separate circuits. Provide ventilation to prevent mold in humid summers.
For doorman service buildings, central systems require 24-hour emergency response. Check filters and coils during seasonal heating transitions. Tenants report failures via maintenance requests for quick fixes.
- Inspect condenser units for debris.
- Test thermostats like Nest or Ecobee for accuracy.
- Log indoor temperatures during peak heat.
Summer cooling ties to overall habitability standards. Non-delivery in market rate or Section 8 units invites HP action or constructive eviction claims. Prioritize for vulnerable tenants like families with young children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Temperature Must NYC Landlords Maintain?
In New York City, landlords must maintain a minimum temperature of 68 degreesF from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM when the outdoor temperature is below 55 degreesF, and 62 degreesF overnight (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM) during the heating season from October 1 to May 31, as per NYC Housing Maintenance Code and Local Law 42 of 2019.
What is the required indoor heat level during the day for NYC apartments?
NYC landlords must keep indoor temperatures at least 68 degreesF during daytime hours (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM) when outside temperatures drop below 55 degreesF, ensuring tenant comfort under the question of 'What Temperature Must NYC Landlords Maintain?'
What Temperature Must NYC Landlords Maintain at night?
At night, from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, NYC landlords are required to maintain a minimum of 62 degreesF indoors when outdoor temperatures are below 55 degreesF, addressing the core query 'What Temperature Must NYC Landlords Maintain?' during colder months.
Does NYC law specify different temperatures based on outside weather for landlords?
Yes, NYC regulations under 'What Temperature Must NYC Landlords Maintain?' mandate heating when outdoor temps are 55 degreesF or below: 68 degreesF daytime and 62 degreesF nighttime, from October 1 through May 31.
What are the penalties if NYC landlords fail to maintain required temperatures?
Landlords in NYC who do not comply with 'What Temperature Must NYC Landlords Maintain?' standards can face fines up to $250 per day per violation, plus potential tenant lawsuits or emergency repairs ordered by the city.
When does the heating season start and end for 'What Temperature Must NYC Landlords Maintain?' in NYC?
The heating season in NYC, relevant to 'What Temperature Must NYC Landlords Maintain?', runs from October 1 to May 31, during which minimum temperatures of 68 degreesF daytime and 62 degreesF nighttime must be upheld when outside is below 55 degreesF.