New York, NY Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Day minimum
- 68°F, 6am-10pm, if outside <55°F
- Night minimum
- 62°F, 10pm-6am, year-round in season
- Heat season
- October 1 - May 31
- Enforcing agency
- NYC HPD
Summary
NYC landlords must keep apartments at 68°F during the day and 62°F overnight from October 1 through May 31 whenever outside temps drop low enough to trigger the rule.
During the period from October first through May thirty-first, centrally-supplied heat, in any dwelling in which such heat is required to be provided, shall be furnished so as to maintain, in every portion of such dwelling used or occupied for living purposes: (1) between the hours of six a.m. and ten p.m., a temperature of at least sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit whenever the outside temperature falls below fifty-five degrees; and (2) between the hours of ten p.m. and six a.m., a temperature of at least sixty-two degrees Fahrenheit.
Full Breakdown
Under the Housing Maintenance Code, owners of buildings with required centrally-supplied heat must maintain at least 68°F indoors between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. whenever the outside temperature falls below 55°F, and at least 62°F indoors between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. regardless of outside temperature, every day from October 1 through May 31. Owners also cannot install devices that disable a working heating system's ability to meet these minimums.
Violations & Fines
HPD investigates heat complaints (often via 311) and can issue violations and civil penalties; owners who fail to restore heat face escalating fines and possible emergency repair action billed back to the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 68°F rule apply all day every day in heat season?
What building types must comply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New York
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