NYC Landlord Heat & Hot Water Rules: What Renters Need to Know

Staying safe and comfortable in your rental home is a basic right—especially when it comes to essential services like heat and hot water. In New York State, there are clear rules requiring landlords to provide working heat and hot water at all times. These requirements help protect renters from unhealthy and unsafe living conditions, especially during New York’s cold winters.

Landlord Responsibilities for Heat and Hot Water in New York

Landlords across New York State, and especially in New York City, must supply heat and hot water to tenants based on specific standards. Failing to do so is not just inconvenient—it’s a violation of state and local housing laws.

Heat Requirements (NYC and Statewide)

• NYC "Heat Season": October 1 through May 31.
• Between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., if the outside temperature falls below 55°F, the inside temperature must be at least 68°F.
• Between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., regardless of outside temperature, the inside temperature must be at least 62°F.
• Outside NYC, most municipalities require landlords to provide adequate heat, following similar standards. Check with your local housing department for details specific to your area.

For more information about city housing code requirements, visit the NYC HPD Heat and Hot Water resource.

Hot Water Requirements Statewide

• Landlords must provide tenants with hot water all year, 24 hours a day, at a constant minimum temperature of 120°F.

If your hot water is not working—or if the temperature is lower than required—your landlord is responsible for repairs and ensuring the standard is met at all times.

What Counts as a Violation?

Missing, inadequate, or inconsistent heat and hot water may be considered a violation of your rights as a renter. This includes:

• No heat during the legally required heat season
• Indoor temperatures below mandated minimums
• Lack of hot water, or consistently low hot water temperatures

These requirements are enforced under New York State’s Real Property Law Section 235-b – Warranty of Habitability and NYC Housing Maintenance Code.¹

How to Take Action: Reporting Problems

If your landlord does not respond to your requests for heat or hot water repairs, you can take official steps to seek help and protect your health.

Step 1: Contact Your Landlord

• Notify your landlord or property manager in writing about the problem.
• Describe the issue and ask for a prompt repair.

Step 2: File a Complaint with the City or Local Housing Department

• In NYC, you can file a heat or hot water complaint via NYC 311.
• Outside NYC, contact your local code enforcement or health department.

Tip: Always keep a record of your complaints, written communication, and (if possible) photos or temperature logs as evidence.

Relevant Official Forms and How to Use Them

• NYC 311 Heat and Hot Water Complaint (Online Form)
  Use this form to officially report a lack of heat or hot water to the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Submit the NYC 311 Heat and Hot Water Complaint form online as soon as a problem occurs. This form triggers a city inspection and enforcement process.
• HPD Tenant Self-Inspection Checklist
  This checklist helps tenants ensure they are documenting maintenance issues, including heat and hot water. While not required, it is recommended to use this when submitting complaints or for your own records. Download the HPD Tenant Checklist here.

If you feel your landlord is not meeting their obligations, you can also file for repairs or enforcement with the local housing agency or court. For New York City, this is the New York City Housing Court.

How Can Renters Protect Their Rights?

Document problems, contact your landlord, and know your right to file an official complaint. If violations continue, you may be able to seek repairs, a rent reduction, or other remedies through the courts or local housing agency.

1. What can I do if my landlord doesn't fix the heat?
   Contact your landlord first, then file a heat complaint with your city or local housing authority. In NYC, use NYC 311. If violations continue, you may seek help from Housing Court.
2. How long does my landlord have to restore hot water or heat?
   Repairs must be made promptly. In NYC, landlords are required to restore heat/hot water as soon as possible—typically within 24 hours after a complaint. Local laws may vary.
3. Can I withhold rent if I don't have heat or hot water?
   You may have legal options, but you should consult New York State law and housing court advice here. Withholding rent without court approval can risk eviction.
4. Is my landlord required to provide heat and hot water all year?
   Hot water must be provided year-round; heat must be provided during the designated heat season.
5. Where can I find more information about my rights?
   Visit the NY State Homes and Community Renewal - Tenant Rights page for up-to-date information and help.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords in New York must provide heat during the legal heat season and hot water all year round
• Report problems to your landlord first; if unresolved, file an official complaint
• Document everything and know your right to seek help from local housing or courts

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NYS Homes and Community Renewal – Tenant Rights (statewide landlord-tenant resources)
• NYC HPD – Official Heat and Hot Water Rules
• NYC 311 Heat/Hot Water Complaint
• New York City Housing Court (complaints, legal help, mediation)
• NY Real Property Law – Warranty of Habitability

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1. NYS Real Property Law Section 235-b: Warranty of Habitability
2. NYC Housing Maintenance Code
3. New York State Homes and Community Renewal – Tenant Rights
4. NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
5. NYC 311 Heat/Hot Water Complaint Form

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