Homeowner's advice: how to stay warm this winter

The owner of an apartment or house tries to save money in everything. First of all, these are gas and electricity. Are there any limits to this savings? Here is an excerpt from the NYC Administrative Code, Section 27-2029 and 2031 (this document is available at public and central borough libraries): ''The landlord is required to provide heat for the home between October 1st and May 31st. The apartment temperature must be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit (+13° Celsius) between 10 pm and 6 am if the outside temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (+4° C). Apartment temperature should be a minimum of 68 degrees F (20 C) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. if daytime temperatures drop below 55 F (-13 C). The apartment must have hot water at least 120 degrees F (49 °C) at all times of the day or night.

The owner is represented in the house by the superintendent (in short - “super”), who strictly follows the instructions of his employer. He always guards the interests of the owner, so he often adjusts the thermostat in his favor, i.e. at least one of the specified requirements is usually not met.

How to deal with this? Very simple. Call the Heat and Hot Water Complaints Bureau (212) 824-4328. At the same time, contact your local DHCR (Division of Housing and Community Renewal - Office of Rent Administration) office. Information about local branches in your area of ​​residence, tel. (212) 227-7000.

Ask to be sent Form RA-81 regarding service reduction in your apartment. The owner will be given 30 days to bring the heating system to normal (standard) condition. If he does not fulfill this requirement, then the workers of the city technical service will take on the work, and the landlord will pay for it in full and, in addition, a substantial fine.

HPD's Hotline is available 212/824 at (4328) 100-10038. Are you cold in your apartment? Call or write a complaint to: HPD, Central Complaint Bureau, XNUMX Gold Street, New York, NY XNUMX. There are HPDs everywhere in the USA.