Keep track of your heat and hot water problems (NYC)

If you are having problems with your heat or hot water, and your landlord is not fixing them, keep a record. Write down the problems and events when they happen. You can use your records as evidence in a court case.

These are the heat & hot water rules for landlords:

• Heat: Heating season is between October 1 and May 31
  • During the day: If below 55°F outside, inside should be at least 68°F
  • At night: No matter what the temperature is outside, inside should be at least 62°F
• Hot Water: All year at 120°F

A good record of heat or hot water problems includes:

• Date
• Time
• Calls to the 311 Complaint Number
• Outdoor Temperature
• Temperature Inside the Apartment
• Hot Water? (Yes or No)
• Witness (if you have one)

You can use the example of a log provide to keep a record of heat and hot water problems.