No hot water in your NYC apartment: what the law says and what to check
In New York City, hot water isn't a nice-to-have. Building owners must supply it every day of the year. If you rent, the fix is your landlord's job. If you own, a few safe checks can tell you whether it's a quick reset or a call for a licensed plumber.
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Emergency? Gas smell, CO alarm, fire, sparking or flooding: get to safety and call 911 first.
The rule: 120°F, 365 days a year
According to HPD, building owners must provide hot water 365 days a year at a constant minimum of 120°F. This is separate from heat season: it applies in July just as much as January.
If you rent: tell your landlord or super first, in writing. If it isn't fixed, file a complaint through 311 (phone, app or online). HPD can inspect, issue violations, and in some cases use its Emergency Repair Program to restore service and bill the owner. Rent-stabilized tenants can also contact NYS DHCR. Read more in our who-fixes-what guide.
Where NYC hot water comes from
- Tank water heater (gas or electric), common in houses and some small buildings.
- Boiler with a tankless coil or indirect tank, very common in NYC brownstones and pre-war buildings. The same boiler makes heat and hot water, so a boiler problem can take out both.
- Central building plant in larger co-ops, condos and rentals. Individual units can't fix these; management has to.
Safe checks for owners
- Is it every faucet or just one? One faucet points to a cartridge or mixing valve; all of them points to the heater or boiler.
- Gas water heater: check whether the pilot or status light is on, following the label on the unit. If you smell gas, stop and leave (see our gas smell guide).
- Electric water heater: check the breaker. A breaker that trips again is a job for a pro.
- Boiler with a coil: if the boiler is off or locked out, you'll have no heat either. Press reset once at most.
- Look for water around the tank base. A leaking tank usually means replacement.
When to call a licensed plumber
Gas water heaters and boilers are gas appliances, and in NYC gas work must be done by a DOB Licensed Master Plumber. Call one if the pilot won't stay lit, the tank leaks, you hear loud popping or rumbling, the relief valve is discharging, or you get rusty or smelly hot water. For more detail on tank heaters, see water heater not working.
Questions
How hot does a NYC landlord have to keep hot water?
At least 120°F, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to HPD.
Who do I call if my landlord won't fix the hot water?
Tell the landlord in writing first, then file a complaint with 311. HPD can inspect and issue a violation.
Why did my heat and hot water go out at the same time?
Many NYC buildings make hot water from the boiler with a tankless coil or indirect tank. If the boiler stops, both stop.
Sources
Rules and phone numbers can change. Check the official source before relying on them.
Related guides
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