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NYC heat season rules: what owners must provide from October 1 to May 31

Every year from October 1 through May 31, New York City building owners must keep apartments at minimum temperatures set by law. Here are the rules as HPD states them, what tenants can do, and what owners should do to stay ahead of problems.

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.

The temperature rules

  • Day (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.): when it's below 55°F outside, the inside temperature must be at least 68°F.
  • Night (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.): inside must be at least 62°F, regardless of the outside temperature.
  • Hot water: at least 120°F, 365 days a year, separate from heat season.

If you're a tenant without heat

  1. Tell your landlord or super first.
  2. If it isn't fixed, file a complaint with 311 (call 311, TTY 212-504-4115, 311 online or the 311 app). You can file anonymously.
  3. HPD tries to notify the owner, may contact you to see if heat is back, and attempts an inspection if it isn't. Inspectors record the outdoor temperature on every inspection.

Stay safe while you wait. HPD warns never to use a gas stove or charcoal grill to heat your home, and says kerosene and propane space heaters are illegal in NYC. Plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet and never leave them unattended. If you're having trouble paying for heat, call 311 about HEAP emergency heating assistance.

What owners face

  • Civil penalties of $250–$500 per day for each initial heat or hot water violation and $500–$1,000 per day for subsequent violations, according to HPD.
  • A $200 fee for each inspection after the first two that result in a heat violation in the same heat season.
  • HPD's Emergency Repair Program can hire contractors to restore heat and bill the owner.

Owner checklist before and during the season

  • Have the boiler serviced before October: burner, safety controls, the low-water cutoff on steam systems, and venting.
  • Bleed air from hot-water radiators and check steam vents (see banging radiators and cold radiators).
  • Line up a licensed heating pro before you need one (see no heat and boiler repair).
  • Seal drafty windows so units hold heat (see weatherproofing).

Questions

When is heat season in NYC?

October 1 through May 31 every year.

What temperature must my NYC apartment be in winter?

From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., at least 68°F whenever it's below 55°F outside. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., at least 62°F regardless of the outside temperature.

How do I report no heat in NYC?

Tell your landlord first, then file a complaint with 311 by phone, online or the app. HPD can inspect and issue violations.

Sources

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

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