Freezing? Landlord Lax? Heating Help Here

“It seriously pisses me off when I wake up at 3 a.m., freezing my balls off. I’ve called him numerous times, but I keep getting this feeling that he thinks I’m lying for some reason.”

This testimonial comes from a discussion at Brooklynian.com. As the quote illustrates, the coming winter can be one of dread for those unfortunate Park Slopers at the mercy of unsympathetic landlords.

Daily Slope is here to help.

According to the New York City Housing Maintenance Code, between Oct. 1 and May 31, a landlord must provide an adequate amount of heat (at least 68 degrees) from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. when the temperature outside falls below 55. If a landlord fails to comply with the code, he or she is in violation of what is called the “warranty of habitability.”

“Every residential lease agreement in New York carries with it an implied warranty that the premises are suitable for human habitation,” one law coordinator for Legal Services for New York City told The New York Times. The first step in dealing with a landlord in breach of the warranty is to call the heat hot line: 212-960-4800. A tenant has several other options, too. One would be to withhold the rent. Don’t worry, if your landlord takes you to court, he won’t have a leg to stand on because he’s not in compliance with the code.

Another option would be to apply for a “rent reduction order” from the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. Yet another option entails taking your disreputable landlord’s ass to housing court.

We like the last option best.

Is your landlord withholding the warmth? Share your story at Brooklynian.com.

5 Replies to “Freezing? Landlord Lax? Heating Help Here”

  1. The heat doesn’t go on between 10pm and 6am unless the outdoor temperature falls below 40 degrees, which it hasn’t yet this year.

    Get a blanket, buddy. Act like a man.

  2. A representative for New York landlords speaks…

    Last night’s temperature hovered around 41 degrees, and tonight it’s supposed to be 42. That’s close enough for a lot of people. Don’t you think so, buddy?

  3. Yes, and between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., heat must register at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit when the outside temperature falls below 40 degrees. 55 degrees is very cold. BUY YOUR OWN SPACE HEATER IF YOU WANT IT WARMER!!! I love renters who demand that the heat be on 24 hours a day.

  4. Ohhh…..with all this “buddy” talk I’d say we all go under the covers together. What do you think buddies?

  5. I saw a tenant complain about the opposite to the super of the building!

    Some old crotchety thing. When she said there was too much, I immediately told the super “thanks! I think the heat is great. It’s so much better than freezing!” lol

    its true, there is A LOT of heat. I keep my windows open at night and my ceiling fan on low. But I love knowing that i have enough heat to get me through the winter 🙂

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