NEW YORK (PIX11) — New York City tenants renting private homes or apartments can report heat and hot water issues directly to the city, according to the Housing Preservation and Development.
The tenants are encouraged to call 311 to file heat or hot water complaints against landlords, the agency said. After a complaint is filed, HPD will contact the owner. The landlord has 24 hours to rectify the problem.
Between Oct. 31 and May 31, private landlords are required to keep buildings or homes at certain temperatures. Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the temperature inside must be at least 68 degrees if it’s below 55 degrees outside, the agency said. The inside temperature should be set to at least 62 degrees between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Hot water must be available 24 hours a day.
If the issue is not rectified, an inspector could visit the premises to check on the heat or hot water issue. While there, the inspector can check for other violations, such as smoke detectors, window guards, and lead-based paint, according to HPD.
HPD can charge the landlord $250–$500 per day for each initial heat or hot water violation, and up to $1,000 for each subsequent violation, the agency said.
New York City residents who live in public housing, such as an NYCHA development must follow different protocols for reporting heat or hot water issues. For more information on NYCHA heat or hot water complaints, click here.
