Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-172
Maintenance of heat supplied by owner
Operative Text
(a) Every owner or operator of a building, who permits to be occupied any dwelling unit or rooming unit therein under an agreement, express or implied, to supply or furnish heat to the occupants thereof, shall supply heat adequate to maintain therein at any time when the outside temperature drops below 50° F. a minimum inside temperature of 70° F. based on outside temperature in all habitable rooms, bathroom, shower rooms and toilet rooms or compartments, in all such rooms. (b) The provisions of this section shall not apply where the failure to maintain minimum requirements is caused by a general shortage of fuel, negligent or malicious act of the occupant, necessary repairs or alterations or any cause beyond the control of the owner or occupant.
Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 12 § 12-172 establishes a minimum indoor heating standard for rental units where the owner or operator has agreed—formally or informally—to provide heat. Whenever outdoor temperatures fall below 50°F, all habitable rooms, bathrooms, shower rooms, and toilet rooms must be kept at a minimum of 70°F. The rule includes limited exceptions, such as a widespread fuel shortage, damage caused by the occupant, necessary repairs, or other circumstances genuinely outside the owner's control.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 12 § 12-172, operators who have agreed to supply heat are generally expected to maintain functioning heating systems capable of reaching 70°F indoors whenever outdoor temperatures dip below 50°F. Compliant operators typically conduct seasonal inspections of heating equipment, keep records of fuel supply and maintenance, and respond promptly to heating complaints. When an exception—such as a fuel shortage or a repair emergency—applies, documenting the cause and timeline of any interruption is a practice commonly associated with demonstrating that the failure was beyond the operator's control.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 12-172 of the Poughkeepsie Code of Ordinances gives occupants the right to adequate heat—at least 70°F indoors—whenever outdoor temperatures fall below 50°F, provided the owner or operator agreed to supply heat. If heat falls short of this standard, tenants may consider documenting indoor and outdoor temperatures, notifying the owner or operator in writing, and contacting the appropriate local code enforcement or housing authority to report a potential violation. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Poughkeepsie housing law can help explain available remedies and enforcement paths without charge.
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 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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