NYC heat laws explained: When your landlord needs to turn up the temperature

NEW YORK - When will my landlord turn on my heat? It was a question on some New Yorkers' minds Thursday as they woke up to what has been the coldest morning so far of a fairly mild fall. 

The answer: New York City's heat season actually started October 1 and runs through May 31. During this timeframe, landlords are required by law to keep their tenants' homes at a certain temperature.

How warm should my apartment be?

During the day, if it's below 55 degrees outside, the heat should be on, with indoor temperatures of at least 68 degrees between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. 

Landlords must keep indoor temperatures at 62 degrees overnight, regardless of the weather outside.

What can I do if my heat isn't on yet?

If your heat isn't on yet and your landlord won't remedy that, you can file a complaint with New York City Housing Preservation and Development by calling 311 or filing a complaint online at 311.nyc.gov. 

What are the heat laws in surrounding areas?

In Nassau County, landlords must keep the temperature at 68 degrees during the day and 65 degrees overnight whenever temperatures drop below 55 degrees. In Suffolk County, landlords need to keep temperatures at 68 degrees around the clock whenever temperatures drop below 55.

In New Jersey, landlords need to keep the inside temperature at 68 degrees between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. 

And in Connecticut, 65 degrees is the minimum indoor temperature at all times of the year. 

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