It’s Heat Season in NYC: Here’s How to Deal With No Heat (Or Too Much)

It’s Heat Season in New York City! And while you may not have had to break out the extra warm gear just yet, your building is still obligated to follow the law. If outdoor temps drop below 55 degrees between 6 AM and 10 PM, the heat must be on, and your apartment should be at least 68 degrees. Overnight, indoor temps can drop as low as 62 indoors. These rules are in effect from October through May.

All of that is pretty easy to understand but, as any New Yorker can tell you, sometimes difficult to execute. Dwellers in drafty first-floor units may be left with chattering teeth while those on the 7th floor feel like they’re roasting (thanks, steam heat!) but no matter where you fall on that spectrum (or which floor of the building), the law is the law.

Here’s What To Do If Your Place Is Too Cold

Start with the person you contact when you have a problem with your apartment – whether that first line of defense is the super, landlord, or management company. Clearly outline the problem (taking a few pics showing the indoor temperature can’t hurt either) and ask them to fix the situation. It’s not up to you to figure out how they do that – that’s on them.

If they fail to take action, escalate the matter to 311. This gets the Department of Housing Preservation and Development involved. Typically, they will notify the relevant party and get back in touch with you to see if the problem has been fixed. If you report that it hasn’t, they will likely pay a visit to investigate, and if it can be proven they have not adhered to the law, they will be issued a violation that comes with a financial penalty.

If the issue still does not get resolved quickly, the next step (unsatisfying as it may be to hear) is to attempt to negotiate a rent deduction for the following month, rather than withholding rent (which could end up backfiring on you). As always, it’s best to escalate matters like this to legal experts. You can call Housing Court Answers or contact firms on this list that represent tenants pro bono.

Here’s What To Do If Your Place Is Too Hot

Most of the city’s pre-war buildings use steam heat, meaning the regulation is often out of your control. While the city assumed upper-floor tenants would simply keep their windows open to regulate high temps (really!), it’s not always a pleasant experience in the time of car alarms, leaf blowers, evening trash collection, and powerful bass systems.

With some steam heat systems, you can ask your landlord or super to adjust the valves in your unit (don’t try to do this yourself, as it can be dangerous or unintentionally destructive) to help regulate the heat output. They can often turn them down or completely off, depending on your preference.

Another option is to install a radiator cover. They’re relatively inexpensive and can cut down a bit on the heat output. According to Ohm Connect, radiators do not get above 215 degrees, which is not hot enough to start a fire if covered. A pricier but more effective solution is a smart radiator cover, but you may need your landlord’s permission to install one.

Finally, if your place is just right, you’ve found a Goldilocks scenario and we’d encourage you to never give up that unit. There’s still a lot of winter left. Stay comfy out there!

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