Image Credit: HPD
On October 3, 2023, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced the launch of the 2023-2024 heat season. Heat season runs from October 1st to May 31st. During heat season, building owners must maintain specific indoor temperatures depending on the outdoor temperature. Owners must maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when outdoor temperatures are below 55 degrees during the daytime and a minimum of 62 degrees indoors overnight regardless of the outdoor temperature. Hot water must be provided at 120 degrees year-round.
Residents who are experiencing heat issues are recommended to first reach out to their building super or landlord. If service is not restored after notifying the owner or super, tenants can contact 311 to submit a complaint by phone, the 311 online website, or via the 311 app. Once a complaint is submitted, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development will try to contact building management. If the condition has not been corrected, a uniformed Code Enforcement inspector will be sent to the property. Tenants can check HPD Online to see if the agency has responded. Inspectors who are sent for heating issues will also proactively check for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, double cylinder locks, pests, mold, self-closing doors, and other problems like lead-based paint or window guards if children are in the home.
When landlords fail to supply heat, the agency’s Emergency Repair Program will attempt to restore heat to the building. Civil penalties can be issued for repeat heat violations, and repeat offenders may be enrolled in the Heat Sensor Program, which allows the agency to install internet capable temperature sensors and buildings in the program will be subject to repeat inspections during heat season.
The City also shared safety tips for using space heaters.
- Turn off space heaters when leaving a room or the house, or when going to bed.
- Do not leave your space heater unattended.
- Place heaters on the floor, and never place heaters on furniture or countertops.
- Plug heaters directly into sockets and do not plug them into extension cords or power strips.
- Turn off the space heater if the cord becomes hot.
- Only use equipment with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark, which shows that the product has been safety tested.
For more information about heating and safety, the Health Department has provided more information here. Homeowners who are struggling to heat their homes can contact the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program.
HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. stated, “The chill of the cold months is fast arriving, and we are once again prepared to ensure New Yorkers’ right to heat and hot water are protected. Our hard-working inspectors and emergency repair teams are ready to ensure the well-being of every tenant in New York City. If your apartment lacks the warmth it deserves, report the issue to your landlord, and if the situation persists, contact 311 right away. We are ready to ensure that every home is a place of warmth, safety, and comfort.”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the Editor of CityLand and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)