If your heating costs are included in your rent, heating must be available for tenants in New York City from October 1 to May 31.
If the temperature outside is less than 55 degrees F between the hours of 06:00 and 22:00, then the temperature inside must be more than 68 degrees F. Between the hours of 22:00 and 06:00, the inside temperature must be more than 55 degrees F if the outside temperature in less than 40 degrees F.
If you suspect that the heating in your building is not complying with the law, you can complain to the Central Complain Bureau at 311. Make sure that you keep a record of the daily temperatures both inside and outside to make sure that you are sure of what the temperatures actually are. Each day that the regulations regarding your heating are being broken, call 311 to register your complaint; they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You should also let your landlord know of the problem by writing and calling. Mail all of your letters by certified mail, keep your receipts and keep copies of all of the letters that you send. It is also a good idea to keep a list of all the dates and the times that you called the landlord to complain, and a brief outline of how the call went. Although this is really only your word against the landlord’s, it will be indicative, alongside your mail receipts and records of the temperatures that you have been diligent in your activities.
If the whole building is affected, think about organizing a tenant’s association; this means that you will be able to file an HP Action against the landlord in the Housing Court.
If your apartment is rent regulated, you could file a complaint with the Division of Housing and Community Renewal.
If the temperature outside is less than 55 degrees F between the hours of 06:00 and 22:00, then the temperature inside must be more than 68 degrees F. Between the hours of 22:00 and 06:00, the inside temperature must be more than 55 degrees F if the outside temperature in less than 40 degrees F.
If you suspect that the heating in your building is not complying with the law, you can complain to the Central Complain Bureau at 311. Make sure that you keep a record of the daily temperatures both inside and outside to make sure that you are sure of what the temperatures actually are. Each day that the regulations regarding your heating are being broken, call 311 to register your complaint; they are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You should also let your landlord know of the problem by writing and calling. Mail all of your letters by certified mail, keep your receipts and keep copies of all of the letters that you send. It is also a good idea to keep a list of all the dates and the times that you called the landlord to complain, and a brief outline of how the call went. Although this is really only your word against the landlord’s, it will be indicative, alongside your mail receipts and records of the temperatures that you have been diligent in your activities.
If the whole building is affected, think about organizing a tenant’s association; this means that you will be able to file an HP Action against the landlord in the Housing Court.
If your apartment is rent regulated, you could file a complaint with the Division of Housing and Community Renewal.
