NYC heat complaints 311 refer to the official process tenants use to report landlords who fail to provide adequate heating during “Heat Season.” Managed by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), this system allows tenants to file violations which can lead to inspections, fines for landlords, and emergency repairs.

New York City is famous for its extremes. We spend July reading guides on Manhattan Heat Wave Survival, but by December, the conversation shifts to radiator hisses and drafty windows. If you are freezing in your apartment, you are not just “unlucky”—you are likely the victim of a housing code violation.

Whether you are in a budget-friendly rental in Bushwick or a new condo in Long Island City, the law is the same. Here is how to navigate the bureaucracy and get your heat turned back on.

Understanding NYC “Heat Season” Laws (2025-2026)

The city doesn’t leave “adequate heat” up to interpretation. The law is mathematically precise. “Heat Season” runs strictly from October 1 to May 31 each year. During these months, your landlord is legally obligated to maintain specific temperatures.

The Temperature Requirements

The rules change depending on the time of day. Keep this table saved on your phone; it is your best weapon when arguing with a reluctant management company.

Source: NYC Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)

Step-by-Step: How to File a 311 Heat Complaint

Filing a complaint is not just about venting frustration; it triggers a legal process. However, jumping straight to 311 can sometimes backfire if you haven’t done your homework. Follow this workflow for the best results.

Step 1: The “Paper Trail” Text

Before involving the city, send a text or email to your super or landlord. Keep it professional and direct:

“Hi [Name], the temperature in Apt 4B is currently 60°F, which is below the legal limit. Please let me know when the heat will be restored.”

This proof of notification is crucial if the situation escalates to Housing Court. Wait a few hours for a response.

Step 2: File via the NYC 311 App

If they ignore you or give you the runaround (“the boiler is just warming up”), file a complaint immediately. While you can call 311, we highly recommend using the NYC 311 Mobile App or the online portal. It provides a tracking number and prevents you from waiting on hold.

1. Open the app and select “Heat or Hot Water Complaint.”
2. Select “Residential Building” (or public housing if you are in NYCHA).
3. Select “Entire Building” if you know neighbors are freezing, or “Apartment Only” if it’s just you.
4. Crucial: Provide your contact info so the HPD inspector can reach you. If they can’t get into the building, they can’t issue a violation.

For those navigating city services for the first time, don’t worry—311 does not ask for immigration status.

Step 3: The HPD Response

Once filed, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will attempt to contact your landlord to warn them. They will then call you back (usually an automated call) to ask if the heat is back on. If you say “No,” an inspector is dispatched.

What Happens After You Report?

Reporting a violation is the leverage you need to force a cheap landlord to act.

The Inspection

An inspector will arrive at your building. They will measure the temperature in your apartment using their own calibrated thermometer. If the temperature is below the legal limit, they issue a Class C Violation (Immediately Hazardous).

The Fines (2025 Rates)

Landlords hate these violations because they are expensive.

• Initial Violation: $250 – $500 per day.
• Subsequent Violations: Up to $1,000 per day.
• Inspection Fee: If HPD has to visit more than twice in the same heat season, they slap the landlord with a $200 inspection fee.

Pro-Tips for Tenants

• Buy Your Own Thermometer: Don’t guess. Buy a cheap digital thermometer ($10 at any hardware store) and take photos of it next to a time-stamped source (like your phone screen or a TV news channel). This is your “Heat Log.”
• Check for Drafts: Sometimes the heat is on, but your windows are the problem. In older buildings, like the brownstones in historic neighborhoods, check if the top sash of the window has slid down.
• Team Up: If your whole building is cold, form a tenant association. 10 complaints from 10 different units trigger a much faster response than one person complaining 10 times.

FAQ: Common Heat Season Questions

My landlord says heat is included in the rent, but controls the thermostat. Is this legal?

Yes, but they must still meet the minimum temperature requirements. If they lock the thermostat at 65°F and it’s freezing outside, they are violating the law.

Can I use my oven to heat my apartment?

Never. This is a major fire hazard and a leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning in NYC. If you are desperate, use an electric space heater with a tip-over safety switch, but continue to report the violation.

What if I live in a basement apartment?

If it is a legal basement apartment, you have the same rights. If it is an illegal conversion, be careful—calling 311 could result in a “Vacate Order” from the Department of Buildings, forcing you to leave immediately.

For more details on your rights, visit the Met Council on Housing, a non-profit tenant advocacy group.