Q: How high do I need to keep my building’s temperature during the winter months?

JA: In NYC, owners of buildings with 3+ apartments, or of tenant-occupied 1-2 family dwellings must provide heat for their tenants from Oct. 1 through May 31 each year. Some building owners are also required to provide hot water during this time.

• From 6 a.m.-10 p.m. when it’s below 55 ℉ outside—heat must be maintained at 68℉
• From 10 p.m.-6 a.m.—heat must be maintained at 62℉ (no outside heat required)

 Important: Thermostats that are programmed to shut off automatically are illegal. Fines can be upwards of $1,000 per violation.

 Want to learn more? Check out the Jaffa Minute page on heat and hot water.