Heat season in New York City runs from October 1 through May 31. During this time, landlords are required to provide heat, so apartments stay at safe indoor temperatures.
If your apartment feels cold during heat season, you don’t have to suffer through it. There are clear rules about how warm your home should be — and there are simple steps you can take to document the problem, reach out for help, and stay warm while the issue is being addressed.
Here are three steps you can take if your apartment doesn’t have enough heat.
1. Take Notes
Keeping simple records can help.
- Write down the date and time
- Note the temperature inside your apartment
- Write down which room you checked
- Try to take readings during the day and at night
If possible, write things down right away, so details don’t get lost.
2. Check With Your Neighbors
Ask nearby neighbors if they’re having the same problem.
If others are also without heat, it helps show that the issue affects more than one apartment.
3. Contact Your Landlord
Let your landlord know there’s a problem.
- Try to communicate in writing (text or email if possible)
- Save messages or replies
- If several neighbors are affected, reaching out together can help
Ways to Stay Warmer While You Wait
Some safe steps can help reduce the cold:
- Clear furniture away from radiators
- Seal drafty windows or doors
- Use curtains to hold heat inside
- Wear layers and stay in one warm room
Electric space heaters can raise electric bills and create safety risks, so use caution.
If the Problem Continues
If heat or hot water is still not provided, you can contact the City by calling 311 to report the issue to NYC HPD.
Need Support?
The Bronx & Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub can help explain your options, share safe ways to stay warm, and connect you to resources.
Reach out — we’re here to help.
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