In early October, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced the official start of the 2023-2024 winter heating season. This means that homeowners are required, from this date until May 31, to maintain an indoor temperature of 68°F or higher when the outdoor temperature is below 55°F.
This is achieved with the help of heating systems, which must be used correctly, as well as properly maintained to ensure the safety of tenants.
“Safe housing is critical to year-round well-being, and as temperatures drop, New York City is focused on maintaining warm homes for all New Yorkers. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development is a key resource for renters and will work to keep homes comfortable during this season,” said Deputy Mayor of Housing, Economic Development and Workforce María Torres-Springer.
“The cold months are approaching quickly and once again, we are prepared to ensure that New Yorkers’ right to heat and hot water are protected. “Our inspectors, workers and emergency repair teams are ready to ensure the well-being of every tenant in New York City,” added HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr.
“If your apartment lacks the warmth it deserves, report the problem to your landlord. And if the situation persists, contact 311 immediately. “We are ready to guarantee that every home is a place of warmth, security and comfort,” he noted.
If you have a problem with your heating, authorities suggest you first notify the homeowner or building superintendent, as many have professionals who can resolve the issue immediately.
If service has not been restored after speaking with the owner, it is suggested that you call 311. Hearing impaired individuals may register complaints using a tone deaf device (TDD) at (212) 504-4115.
Once the report reaches HPD, the department will attempt to contact the housing manager; In case someone confirms that the issue has been resolved, no further action will be taken. Otherwise, they will send an inspector to evaluate the case.
In the event that there are several reports for the same building, a single inspection is carried out, where the person in charge will sign a yellow card that will be placed in the lobby, where the date and time the inspection was carried out will be written. Tenants can verify their request was taken into account by checking the HPD website.
In addition to issues related to heating, inspectors check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, whether there are parts of the home covered in lead paint (in homes where there are children under 6 years old), the condition of the protectors. windows (if there are children under 11 years old), as well as the condition of double-cylinder locks, self-closing doors, mold, pests and bars on the windows at emergency exits.
Tips for using heating safely and properly
1) Turn off the heaters when you leave the room, the house or when you go to sleep.
2) Don’t leave portable heaters unattended.
3) Only use equipment with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark, which shows that the product has been tested for safety.
4) Turn off the heater if the wire gets hot.
5) Plug portable heaters directly into the outlet, rather than into an extension cord.
6) Place the heater on the floor and never on a countertop or piece of furniture.
Keep reading:
* The curious and ancient technique that the Chinese use to replace air conditioning in their homes
* Using clean energy in your home: How to benefit from tax rebates and credits?
* Heating in another way: saying goodbye to gas and oil is not easy