Do Heating Requirements Apply Inside Apartment Units?

For renters living in colder climates, adequate heating isn’t just a comfort — it’s a necessity. But many tenants wonder: Are landlords legally required to provide heat inside apartments? The answer is generally yes, but the exact requirements vary depending on the state, city, and type of building.

Minimum Heating Standards

In most parts of the United States, landlords are required by local housing codes or health and safety laws to maintain a minimum indoor temperature during certain months of the year. This is especially true in northern states and urban areas with defined "heating seasons."

For example, cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston mandate that landlords provide heat between October and May when outdoor temperatures fall below specific levels. Required indoor temperatures often range between 65°F and 70°F during the day and slightly lower at night.

Applies to Inside the Apartment

These standards do apply inside each rental unit, not just to hallways or common areas. A functioning heating system must be capable of maintaining the required temperature throughout all habitable rooms — including bedrooms, living areas, and bathrooms.

Who Is Responsible for Maintaining Heat?

Unless otherwise specified in the lease, the landlord is responsible for ensuring the heat system works properly and for covering the cost of repairs. However, in some cases, tenants may be responsible for paying the heating utility — especially if the apartment has its own furnace or boiler.

What If the Heat Isn’t Working?

Tenants who experience inadequate heat should document the issue and notify the landlord in writing. If the problem isn’t addressed promptly, renters may have the right to file a complaint with the local housing authority, withhold rent, or even break the lease in severe cases — depending on state laws.

Exceptions and Local Variations

There are exceptions. In some southern states with mild winters, heating requirements may not be as strictly regulated. Additionally, older buildings may have grandfathered systems with different standards — though landlords must still meet basic habitability rules.

In short, yes — heating requirements absolutely apply inside apartment units in most jurisdictions. Renters have a legal right to a livable, safe, and warm home during cold weather. Understanding your local regulations is key to protecting that right.

Examples of Heating Rules in Different Locations

Local laws often specify heating requirements and “heating seasons,” which can help renters understand when and how landlords must provide heat. Below are practical examples from across the United States:

• New York City, NY — During the heating season (typically October 1–May 31), landlords must maintain a minimum of 68°F in apartments between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. when outdoor temperatures fall below 55°F.
• Chicago, IL — Chicago’s residential codes require landlords to provide heat so that indoor temperatures reach at least 68°F between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. when outdoor temperatures drop below 55°F.
• Boston, MA — In Suffolk County, landlords must supply heat between September 15 and June 15, keeping apartments at a minimum temperature around 68–70°F.
• Minneapolis, MN — Local ordinances require heat to be provided between October 1 and April 30, with interior minimums often defined at 68°F regardless of the hour.
• Portland, OR — While the Pacific Northwest has milder winters, landlords must still ensure habitable indoor temperatures. Specific minimums and enforcement can vary slightly by city building code.

Quick tip: Renters should check both their lease and local housing codes — city or county — to understand the exact temperature requirements and “heating season” dates in their area. If heat falls below required levels and isn’t fixed quickly, local housing authorities in many cities can enforce compliance.