The NYC heat law mandates that landlords must provide heat from October 1st to May 31st, known as the "Heat Season." This is a unique law not found in many other cities.
During the day (6 AM to 10 PM), landlords must maintain a minimum indoor temperature of 68°F when the outdoor temperature falls below 55°F.
This applies throughout the entire Heat Season.
At night (10 PM to 6 AM), the minimum required indoor temperature is 62°F, regardless of the outdoor temperature.
This helps ensure tenants stay warm even when outside temperatures plummet.
Landlords are also required to provide hot water at a constant minimum temperature of 120°F, 365 days a year.
This ensures tenants have adequate hot water for bathing, cleaning, and other domestic needs.
The NYC heat law is enforced by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD).
Tenants can file complaints if their landlord fails to provide sufficient heat or hot water.
Landlords who violate the heat law can face fines and other penalties, including potential criminal charges.
This provides strong legal incentives for landlords to comply with the requirements.
The heat law applies to all residential buildings in New York City, including rental apartments, co-ops, and condos.
There are no exceptions based on the size or type of the building.
Tenants do not have to pay for heat or hot water separately from their rent.
These services are considered essential and must be provided by the landlord as part of the rental agreement.
During power outages, landlords are still required to provide heat and hot water using backup systems, such as generators or alternative fuel sources.
The New York Home Energy Affordable Transition (HEAT) Act, currently being debated, aims to further enhance energy affordability and address climate concerns, but it does not replace the existing heat law requirements.
Landlords who fail to comply with the heat law can face additional consequences, such as having their properties placed on the NYC's "Heat Enforcement Registry," which tracks chronic heat complaints.
The heat law is designed to protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with disabilities, who are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures and lack of hot water.