Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 54-101
Heating equipment
Operative Text
A. The owner of every residential building that is intended for occupancy between September 15 and May 15 of the following year shall provide to such building and keep in good repair approved, safe central heating facilities, capable of maintaining a minimum inside temperature of sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit (65º F.) or such other minimum inside temperature as might be mandated or recommended by the Westchester County Department of Health in an emergency crisis. Said temperature shall be based on outside design temperature and be provided in all habitable rooms and bathrooms, shower rooms and water closet compartments. Such temperature requirements shall be measured thirty-six (36) inches from the floor at approximately the center of the room. B. Heating equipment shall be installed in a manner that will avoid the dangerous concentration of fumes and gases. C. Every heating, cooking and water-heating device burning solid fuels shall be rigidly connected to a chimney or flue. Any such equipment, burning liquid or gaseous fuels shall be rigidly connected to a supply line and, where required, to a chimney, flue or vent. D. Fuel tanks for such equipment shall be permanently installed and refilled only from outside the building. E. Supply lines shall be installed in an approved manner. F. Where necessary, exposed heating risers, heating ducts and hot water lines shall be covered with an insulating material or guard. G. Every heating, cooking and water-heating device located in a residential building shall be maintained and operated so as to be free from fire, health and accident hazards. H. All fuel-burning equipment, components and accessories shall be free from leaks and obstructions and shall function properly. I. Heating equipment shall not be forced to operate beyond the safe capacity for which it was designed. J. Portable space heaters burning liquid or gaseous fuels and heating, cooking and water-heating equipment with integral fuel tanks are prohibited.
Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 § 54-101 establishes comprehensive standards for residential heating systems during the heating season, which runs from September 15 through May 15. Building owners must maintain central heating capable of reaching at least 65°F—measured 36 inches from the floor near the center of each habitable room, bathroom, shower room, and water closet—though the Westchester County Department of Health may set a different threshold during an emergency. The provision also governs how heating equipment is installed, fueled, vented, and maintained, and it outright bans portable space heaters that burn liquid or gaseous fuels as well as devices with integral fuel tanks.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Pelham, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 54 § 54-101, compliant residential building operators maintain central heating systems in good repair throughout the September 15–May 15 heating season, ensuring the system can sustain at least 65°F in all covered rooms measured at the standard 36-inch height. Operators also keep fuel-burning equipment properly vented and connected, fuel tanks permanently installed with exterior refill access only, and all components free from leaks, obstructions, and fire or health hazards. Because the provision prohibits portable liquid- or gas-fueled space heaters and devices with integral fuel tanks, operators generally ensure no such equipment is present or offered in residential units.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 54-101 of Pelham's Code of Ordinances gives residents of covered buildings the right to adequate central heat—at least 65°F in habitable rooms, bathrooms, and similar spaces—from September 15 through May 15 each year. If a heating system is not functioning properly, is improperly vented, or if prohibited portable fuel-burning heaters are present, these conditions may constitute violations of this provision. Tenants who believe their building falls short of these standards may consider documenting the conditions, contacting the appropriate Pelham municipal code enforcement office, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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