Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.12 § 15.12.140
Hot water facilities
Operative Text
The owner shall provide facilities capable of heating water and shall also supply the hot water for use at a temperature of not less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and in a quantity and pressure sufficient to satisfy the ordinary use of each required kitchen sink, wash basin and shower or bathtub, unless and to the extent the occupant is required to do so under a written letting agreement.
Lawrence Code of Ordinances ch. 15.12 § 15.12.140 establishes that residential properties must be equipped with functioning water-heating facilities and that hot water must be delivered at a minimum temperature of 120°F with adequate quantity and pressure to serve required kitchen sinks, wash basins, and showers or bathtubs. The obligation to provide this hot water falls on the property owner by default. However, a written lease agreement may shift some or all of that responsibility to the occupant, but only to the extent explicitly stated in that written agreement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Lawrence Code of Ordinances § 15.12.140, compliant property operators generally ensure that water-heating equipment is installed, maintained, and capable of delivering hot water at or above 120°F to all required kitchen sinks, wash basins, and showers or bathtubs at sufficient quantity and pressure. If a landlord intends to transfer any portion of this hot-water responsibility to a tenant, that arrangement must be clearly documented in a written letting agreement — an oral understanding is not sufficient under this provision. Operators typically keep maintenance records for water-heating systems to demonstrate ongoing compliance with this standard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 15.12.140 of the Lawrence Code of Ordinances gives tenants a baseline expectation of hot water at no less than 120°F, in adequate quantity and pressure, at required kitchen sinks, wash basins, and showers or bathtubs — unless a written lease agreement has explicitly assigned that duty to the occupant. If hot water is consistently unavailable or below the required temperature and no written agreement shifts that responsibility, tenants may have grounds to raise a violation with local housing or code enforcement authorities. Tenant-rights organizations in the Lawrence area can help residents understand general enforcement paths, such as filing a complaint or raising a housing code violation as a defense in relevant proceedings.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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