Q: Spring is here, but the weather is still too fickle to shut the heat for the season. Until when do I need to provide heat for my tenants?

JA: That’s a great question! Winter frosts can last deep into spring, and the HPD has taken measures to ensure that no NYC tenant will be left out in the cold. Official “heat season” runs from October 1st to May 31st each year.

During heat season, landlords must follow these guidelines:

· 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)

Some days this month, you may need to turn on the Central AC in your buildings, but don’t shut the heat for the season just yet! Be sure to follow the HPD guidelines for heat season through the end of May.

You can also check out this Jaffa Minute page for more information about this requirement.

Q: I’ve sent out my annual safety mailings with the January rent bill, and I still have not received a response from several tenants. What do I do now?

 

JA: We’re glad you asked! As part of the annual safety mailing process, you are required to make an effort to obtain a response from each of your tenants. If you did not get a response to your initial mailing, you must make additional attempts via phone, email or in person. The good news….if you are using the Jaffa deFINEd app, you can actually make these attempts with mass email/text/robo-calls directly from the app. One button, and you’ve fulfilled you’re requirement. If there is still no response, you will need to inspect their apartments for proof of child(ren) living in the unit. If you cannot get into their apartment, you must document and retain proof of your attempt.

Hold onto this proof for ten years to avoid criminal charges and fines. More good news about the Jaffa deFINEd app, all your attempts can be recorded, stored and created into a report right on your phone.

You’ll also need to notify the DOHMH of all non-responsive tenants and attempts to acquire information as part of the annual safety mailing process by March 1 of the same year.

So, if you’re still waiting on some tenant responses, don’t forget to notify the DOMH before the deadline! Again, using the Jaffa deFINEd app makes this requirement significantly easier to complete.

You can learn more about these requirements with our Jaffa Minute, which provides a quick overview of everything you need to know about your Annual Safety Mailing.

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.