From Oct. 1, NYC will handle each non-anonymous heat complaint separately; inspectors must attempt inspections at every apartment that files one. The old policy bundled complaints by building; City Limits reported in April that thousands were closed without investigation.
City rules require landlords to provide heat from Oct. 1 through May 31. When outdoor temperatures fall below 55°F, apartments must be kept at 68°F from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; the required overnight temperature is 62°F.
Residents repeatedly raised heat problems at Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s “rental ripoff” hearings, and he said their concerns helped prompt the change. The city advises tenants to first contact their landlord, managing agent or superintendent; if that does not resolve the issue, they can report it to 311 online or by phone.
