N.Y.C. Admin. Code tit. 27, ch. 2 § 27-2029
Minimum temperature to be maintained (New York City Housing Maintenance Code)
Operative Text
a. 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. b. During the period from October first through May thirty-first, all central heating systems required under this article shall be maintained free of any device which shall cause or which is capable of causing an otherwise operable central heating system to become incapable of providing the minimum requirements of heat or hot water as required by this article for any period of time. This subdivision shall not apply to any safety device required by law, or by a rule or regulation of any city agency, to be used in conjunction with a central heating system. (Am. L.L. 2017/086, 5/30/2017, eff. 10/1/2017)
Under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2029, buildings that provide centrally-supplied heat must maintain specific minimum indoor temperatures during the heating season, which runs from October 1 through May 31. Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., living spaces must reach at least 68°F whenever the outside temperature drops below 55°F; between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., the minimum drops to 62°F regardless of outdoor conditions. The law also prohibits the installation or use of any device that would prevent an otherwise functioning central heating system from meeting these temperature or hot water requirements, with an exception for legally required safety devices.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2029 generally keep their central heating systems operational and calibrated throughout the October 1–May 31 heating season to meet the 68°F daytime and 62°F nighttime minimums. Compliant operators routinely inspect their systems for any components—timers, restrictors, or similar devices—that could impair heat delivery, removing or disabling them unless those components are legally mandated safety devices. Maintaining service records, thermometer logs, and prompt repair documentation are practices commonly associated with demonstrating compliance if a complaint or inspection arises.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in buildings with centrally-supplied heat have a right under N.Y.C. Admin. Code §§ 27-2001 and 27-2029 to minimum indoor temperatures of 68°F during daytime hours and 62°F overnight throughout the heating season. When heat falls short of these thresholds, tenants generally have options such as filing a complaint with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), which can inspect and issue violations against the property. Tenant-rights organizations in New York City can provide guidance on documenting temperature conditions and understanding the range of remedies available under the Housing Maintenance Code.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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