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Heat Season: Know Your Rights and Stay Warm

Heat Season runs from October 1st to May 31st in New York City. By understanding their rights, tenants can advocate for themselves and ensure landlords meet legal requirements to keep homes safe and livable. There are also strategies that tenants can use to keep their homes warm during the colder months.

Heat and Hot Water

Tenants in New York City have the right to live in homes with heat and hot water. Building owners are legally required to provide these services to maintain safe living conditions.

Hot Water Requirements

  • Year-round access: Building owners must provide hot water every day of the year.
  • Minimum temperature: Water must be at least 120°F at all times.

Heat Season (October 1st - May 31st)

Building owners must provide heat during “Heat Season” to maintain the following indoor temperatures:

  • Daytime (6:00 AM - 10:00 PM): Apartments must be at least 68°F when the outdoor temperature falls below 55°F.
  • Nighttime (10:00 PM—6:00 AM): The temperature in the apartments must be at least 62°F, regardless of the outdoor temperature.

Learn more about Heat Season here.

Heat Season (October 1st - May 31st) Building owners must provide heat during “Heat Season” to maintain the following indoor temperatures: Daytime (6:00 AM - 10:00 PM): Apartments must be at least 68°F when the outdoor temperature falls below 55°F. Nighttime (10:00 PM—6:00 AM): The temperature in the apartments must be at least 62°F, regardless of the outdoor temperature.

Not Getting Adequate Heat in Your Home?

Follow the steps below to ensure you get the heat you’re entitled to.

  • Contact Your Landlord: Contact your landlord to report and resolve housing quality or safety issues.
  • Start a Heat Log: Start a heat log to track the heat in your home. If you are not getting adequate heat, it can help to document the issue, which includes keeping a heat log. Download this document to begin your heat log.
  • Submit a 311 Complaint: If your landlord doesn’t respond, call 311 or TTY (212) 504-4115 or visit the 311 portal at: portal.311.nyc.gov
  • Contact the Tenant Support Unit: If you still need assistance, call 311 and ask for the "Tenant Helpline." The Tenant Support Unit (TSU) can provide further support to help resolve your heat-related issue.

Heat & Safety Tips for NYC Tenants

When it’s cold outside, it’s important to keep your home warm and safe. Here are some tips to stay warm without compromising safety:

  • Remove or cover your window A/C units to prevent heat loss.
  • Shrink wrap your windows to keep the heat inside your home.
  • Move furniture away from radiators or baseboards.
  • Lower your blinds or draw your curtains at night.
  • Do NOT turn on your oven to increase heat.
  • Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials.
  • Apply for Heating Assistance: the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help cover the costs of heating during the colder months, ensuring that homes stay warm and safe. Learn more about eligibility and apply for HEAP.

Graphics and Flyers

Flyer with heat and safety tips for NYC tenants. Building owners are legally required to provide heat and hot water to their tenants. Hot water must be provided 365 days per year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat must be provided between October 1st and May 31st (also known as "Heat Season") at specific temperatures. Learn more at nyc.gov/TenantRights . Remove or cover your window A/C units to prevent heat loss. Shrink wrap your windows to keep the heat inside your home. Move furniture away from radiators or baseboards. Lower your blinds or draw your curtains at night. Do NOT turn on your oven to increase heat. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials. Get financial assistance to heat your home with the Home Assistance Program (HEAP): on.nyc.gov/HEAP. Document insufficient home heat by writing to your landlord and taking photos of the thermometer displaying cold temperatures.

Find flyers and social graphics on Heat Season and staying warm here.

Suggested Social Media Posting Text

  • ❄️ Heat Season is here! 🏠 Do you know your rights to heat and hot water? @mayorspeu is here to help you understand your rights and connect you to resources like HEAP for heating assistance. Learn more and stay warm this winter! #TenantRights #HeatSeason #NYCHousing #KnowYourRights
  • ❄️Don’t let the cold catch you off guard! During Heat Season, there are special rules to keep homes safe and warm in NYC. Landlords must ensure that your home can reach adequate heat during the day and at night. @mayorspeu can help tenants understand their rights and access assistance programs like HEAP. Stay informed, stay warm! #HeatSeason #TenantSupport #HeatSeason #KnowYourRights
  • Heat Season runs from October 1st to May 31st, and every tenant deserves a warm home. If you need help understanding your rights or accessing heating assistance, learn more from @mayorspeu. Let’s make sure everyone stays warm this winter! #TenantRights #HeatSeason #KnowYourRights