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Boiler repair in the Bronx: getting the heat back on

When a boiler goes down in a Bronx two-family or apartment building, owners are on the clock: NYC heat season rules apply from October 1 to May 31, and tenants depend on that boiler for heat and often hot water too.

Renting? Heat is your landlord's job, not yours. Tell your landlord or super first (in writing, like a text or email, so you have a record). If it isn't fixed, file a complaint with 311 (call 311, use the 311 app or 311 online), and HPD can send an inspector. Don't pay a contractor to fix your building's heat. Our matching is for homeowners, co-op/condo owners and landlords.

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Emergency? Gas smell, CO alarm, fire, sparking or flooding: get to safety and call 911 first.

Safe checks for owners

  1. Make sure the thermostat is calling for heat and has working batteries.
  2. Check the boiler's emergency switch (often at the top of the basement stairs) and its breaker.
  3. Press the burner reset once. If it locks out again, stop and call a pro.
  4. Steam boilers: check the sight glass. If it's empty, don't add water to a hot boiler; shut it down and call a pro.
  5. Oil heat: check the tank gauge.
  6. If you smell gas or a CO alarm sounds, get everyone out and call 911 or Con Edison (1-800-752-6633) from outside.

What landlords must provide

During heat season, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. the indoor temperature must be at least 68°F whenever it's below 55°F outside, and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. at least 62°F regardless of outside temperature. Hot water at 120°F is required all year. Tenants can file complaints with 311, and HPD can inspect. See our heat season guide.

Boiler inspections in Bronx buildings

NYC DOB requires annual inspections of low-pressure boilers in many buildings, but boilers in residential buildings with five or fewer families are exempt, as are boilers inside a unit that serve only that unit. If you own a 6+ family building, an approved inspector must inspect the boiler and the inspection must be filed with DOB each year. Check DOB's boiler pages for current deadlines.

Who can work on your boiler

Work on gas piping and gas-fired boilers must be done by a DOB Licensed Master Plumber or someone working under one. Oil burner work has its own licensing. Ask for the license number and a written quote, and ask whether the tech carries common parts like igniters, flame sensors and low-water cutoffs, which can save a second visit.

Questions

Does my Bronx two-family need an annual DOB boiler inspection?

Generally no. DOB exempts low-pressure boilers in residential buildings with five or fewer families. Regular servicing is still a good idea.

What are NYC's heat requirements?

From October 1 to May 31: 68°F from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. when it's below 55°F outside, and 62°F overnight regardless of outdoor temperature.

Can a handyman fix my boiler?

Not the gas side. Gas work in NYC requires a DOB Licensed Master Plumber or someone working under that license.

Sources

Rules and phone numbers can change. Check the official source before relying on them.

Related guides

Published 2026-10-20 · Updated 2026-10-20

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