The thermometer has already begun to drop, and with the winter season just around the corner, the municipal administration issued an alert to remind New Yorkers that their landlords must guarantee heating in their apartments. On average, about 5,900 residents per week file complaints about lack of heat during the cold season, rising to 18,260 in the coldest week between January 14 and 20.
New York law is clear in warning that when temperatures drop, no tenant should be left out in the cold, which is why the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) is calling on all five boroughs to ensure that both tenants and homeowners Know your rights and responsibilities in the heating season, which officially started this October 1 and will extend until May 31 of next year.
This was stated by the Deputy Mayor of Housing, Economic Development and Workforce, Maria Torres-Springer, after insisting that during the coming months all homeowners have a legal obligation to provide adequate heating to ensure the safety of tenants.
“New Yorkers need and deserve quality, safe, affordable housing, and our message to our neighbors is clear: during the heating season, we are all here to give you the homes, warm all winter long, that you deserve,” said the official, while warning that the City’s Housing Code Compliance team will be alert to ensure that no landlord puts tenants out in the cold.
According to municipal laws, when outdoor temperatures drop below 55 degrees, indoor temperatures must be maintained at a minimum of 68 degrees during the day, and at least 62 degrees at night, regardless of the outside temperature. Just as hot water must be available at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees throughout the year.
And after revealing that last heating season, the HPD responded to 144,000 complaints related to lack of service in the middle of the cold, making landlords fulfill their obligation, the commissioner of that agency, Adolfo Carrion Jr. asked those who suffer lack of safe temperatures in their homes that call to demand their right, so that they get to work. At the same time, he asked not to neglect the elderly, especially.
“All New Yorkers deserve to live in safe conditions. As temperatures drop in the fall and winter, call 311 if you don’t have heat. Also check on your friends and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities,” said the HPD Commissioner. “Hundreds of HPD inspectors will be deployed across the city to ensure families are safe and in warm homes by enforcing the law requiring homeowners to provide heat and hot water. “You can do your part by sending us heat complaints as soon as possible, so we can make sure no one is left out in the cold.”
Leila Bozorg, executive director of New York City Housing, stressed that inspectors are trained to help resolve the lack of heat quickly, ensuring that no one is at risk in the cold.
“Heating is a necessity and fortunately for New Yorkers, the City’s heating inspectors have done a great job over the past few years to continually improve service for New Yorkers. And this season they are more prepared than ever to respond professionally and quickly to the tenants’ right to a warm home,” highlighted the director.
Municipal officials reiterated that tenants who do not have heat from now on, even when temperatures are not yet so cold, must complain immediately to ensure that landlords fulfill their responsibility now or face penalties.
“Our inspectors, to our emergency repair staff, neighborhood preservation staff and our attorneys, are ready to keep New Yorkers safe this winter. All New York City tenants have the right to heat and hot water, so if your apartment is cold, report the problem to your landlord immediately,” said AnnMarie Santiago, HPD Deputy Commissioner of Enforcement and Neighborhood Services. “If the problem persists, contact 311. For landlords, we encourage you to respond to your tenants’ complaints and address the conditions immediately. “HPD will be there to issue tickets if you don’t follow the law.”
HPD also advised that if the issue remains unresolved after speaking with the landlord, tenants can also file a complaint by visiting the 311 website or using the 311 mobile app. Tenants with hearing impairments can register complaints by calling (212) 504-4115.
He also noted that there is help for low-income homeowners struggling with heating costs through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), by calling 718-557-1399 for help with heating bills and repairs. teams.
Data to take into account
- October 1st the heating season officially began
May 31 is the last day that landlords must guarantee warm homes
If outside temperatures drop below 55 degrees, daytime temperatures should be at least 68 degrees
At least 62 degrees is the temperature required in homes at night, regardless of the outside temperature.
144,000 complaints related to lack of heating were filed last cold season - Tenants can file a complaint by calling 311, visiting the 311 website, or using the 311 mobile app
Homeowners can call 718-557-1399 for help with heating equipment bills and repairs.