NYC Heat Season: Dates, Temperature Rules, and 311 Steps
Answer: NYC heat season runs from October 1 through May 31. From 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., an apartment must be at least 68°F when it is below 55°F outside. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., it must be at least 62°F regardless of the outdoor temperature. Tell the owner or manager, keep a temperature log, and report an unresolved problem to 311.
NYC heat-season temperature rules
| Time | Required indoor temperature | Outdoor trigger | |---|---:|---| | 6 a.m.–10 p.m. | At least 68°F | When outdoor temperature is below 55°F | | 10 p.m.–6 a.m. | At least 62°F | None during heat season |
Owners must also provide hot water year-round at the temperature required by City rules. This guide focuses on heat; use HPD's official page for both heat and hot-water requirements.
What to do when the apartment is too cold
1. Measure and document
Record the date, time, room, indoor temperature, and outdoor temperature. Take a photo of the thermometer if it can be done safely. Repeat readings because HPD will need to understand when and where the condition occurs.
A household thermometer is evidence for your log, not a substitute for an HPD inspection.
2. Notify the owner or manager
Send a concise written notice:
The heat at [address and apartment] is below the NYC heat-season requirement. At [time and date], the indoor temperature in [room] was [temperature]°F and the outdoor temperature was [temperature]°F. Please restore required heat and confirm the repair plan.
Save the message and any response. If there is an emergency, call rather than relying only on email.
3. Report an unresolved condition to 311
Use NYC311 online or call 311. Keep the complaint number. HPD says tenants should first attempt to notify the owner, then contact 311 if service is not restored.
4. Check the complaint and violation record
Use HPD Online to review complaints and violations for the building. A complaint is a report, while a violation reflects an agency finding. Neither by itself proves the current apartment temperature.
5. Get legal help before using rent as leverage
Do not assume that filing an HP action automatically places rent in escrow or authorizes withholding. Rent withholding, repair-and-deduct theories, abatements, and court procedures can create eviction risk and depend on facts and legal process. Speak with a qualified tenant attorney or housing counselor before withholding or redirecting rent.
NYC tenants can call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline or use the City's Tenant Helpline information.
Safe temporary steps
While seeking repairs:
- wear layers and use blankets;
- stay with a safe contact or use an official warming location if necessary;
- use only listed electric heaters exactly as directed and plug them directly into a wall outlet; and
- keep heaters away from bedding, curtains, children, pets, and water.
Never heat an apartment with an oven, stove, grill, charcoal, propane heater, or another unvented combustion device. Call 911 for fire, smoke, carbon-monoxide, or immediate medical danger.
How to prepare for an HPD inspection
- Keep the complaint number and temperature log available.
- Make sure an adult can provide access if an inspection is scheduled or attempted.
- Show the affected rooms and any related leaks, broken windows, or radiator problems.
- Keep pets secured and the path to equipment clear.
- Save notices, photos, repair communications, and relevant receipts.
HPD decides whether to issue a violation based on its inspection and records. Do not promise a particular response time, fine, or court outcome.
Frequently asked questions
When does NYC heat season start and end?
It begins October 1 and ends May 31.
Is 62°F allowed during the day?
No when the daytime rule is triggered. Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., the minimum is 68°F when the outdoor temperature is below 55°F.
Does the outdoor temperature matter at night?
No. During heat season, the nighttime minimum is 62°F regardless of the outdoor temperature.
Should I call 311 immediately?
Notify the owner or manager first when possible. If required heat is not restored, report it to 311 and keep the complaint number. Call emergency services for immediate danger.
Can a landlord retaliate because I reported no heat?
New York law protects tenants from certain retaliation, but facts and remedies vary. Keep records and get legal advice if the owner threatens or penalizes you after a good-faith complaint.