COMPLIANCE DEFINED: Heat and Hot Water

What is it & what are your requirements?

Owners of apartment buildings with 3+ apartments or of tenant-occupied 1-2 family dwellings must provide heat from
Oct. 1 through May 31st each year and hot water depending on whether you qualify under the State or City law.

Owners must:

MAINTAIN HEAT AT 68℉

6:00 am – 10:00 pm

when it’s below 55℉ outside

MAINTAIN HEAT AT 62℉

10:00 pm – 6:00 am

no outside temperature required

MAINTAIN WATER AT 120℉

all water sources

see below for details

*all temperatures are minimum requirements

NOTE: Thermostats that are programmed to shut off at a predetermined time are illegal.

STATE HOT WATER LAWS CITY HOT WATER LAWS
For which buildings?
  • 3+ units & 3+ stories high built 4/18/1929 – 1/1/1951
  • Any 3+ units built after 1/1/1951
  •  3+ units built before 4/19/1929 ƒ
  • Any built 4/18/1929 – 1/1/1951 ƒ
  • 1-2 family tenant-occupied
When is it required? 24 hours a day 6:00 am – 12:00 am

Anti-scald devices must be installed when renovating or installing new bathrooms.

How can the Jaffa team help me avoid this violation?

As with all violations, if you have received a violation for not having Heat or Hot Water, the Jaffa team can help you resolve this violation and negotiate your penalty or fine.

PENALTIES

Who?

HPD & DOF

How much?

ILLEGAL TIMING DEVICE
initial fine …………………… $1000
non-removal…………….$25/day


FAILURE TO INSTALL ANTI-SCALD FEATURE
per violation ………………… $500

OTHER VIOLATIONS
first-time offense ………..$250*
Below fines are per day per violation
other fines ………….$250-$500
same building….$500 – $100

*or submit Notice of Corrections

Are there any other risks?

If the owner fails to pay the penalties, HPD will enter a judgment against them and may face up to 30 days in prison. Tenants may obtain rent abatement for failure to provide heat or hot water and owners may be responsible for any resulting injuries.