NYC 'heat season': Know your rights + Prewar listings with central heating and air conditioning

By Cait Etherington | From Upper West Side Tuesday, October 21, 2025

As temperatures start to drop in New York City, many residents welcome the arrival of 'heat season.' This term may sound counterintuitive, but it actually refers to the colder months from October 1 to May 31 when the city enforces minimum temperature requirements in residential buildings.

While most property owners comply with these regulations, 311 receives tens of thousands of complaints every year. Just in 2022, 265,641 heat and hot water complaints were reported to the city. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development even took legal action in 2,229 cases in 2019, resulting in over $1.5 million in civil penalties from negligent property owners.

This article provides an overview of the obligations that residential building owners must meet during heat season, covering not only indoor temperatures but also hot water accessibility and exterior maintenance.

Building Temperatures

During the New York City heat season, it's essential for all residential building owners to maintain specific indoor temperatures. When daytime outdoor temperatures drop below 55 degrees, the interior must be kept at a minimum of 68 degrees. Overnight, regardless of outdoor conditions, the indoor temperature should not fall below 62 degrees.

These regulations were originally implemented to safeguard New Yorkers during the city's chilliest months. While well-intentioned, they can inadvertently lead to overheated apartments. Maintaining a consistent temperature throughout an entire building, especially considering variations in floor levels, and the older nature of the city's housing stock presents challenges. To prevent units from dropping below 62 degrees overnight, building superintendents often raise the heat to sweltering temperatures, as fines may be imposed for insufficient heating but not for overheating. This practice can leave occupants on higher floors uncomfortably warm, even in the depths of winter, leading to the opening of windows and wasted energy.

Image via NYC Department of Housing and Preservation

Water Temperatures

In addition to the heat regulations that apply during heat season, year-round, owners must provide their tenants with access to hot water at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s right—if you constantly find yourself enduring cold showers or lukewarm faucet temperatures, you have the legal right to complain and to have the problem fixed in a timely manner.

Other Heat Season Obligations

During heat season, property owners must adhere not only to building temperature regulations but also address various seasonal obligations, including leaf, ice, and snow management. It's important to note that these responsibilities apply to both multi-family building owners and private townhouse owners.

Leaf Removal: Technically, owners don’t have to clear leaves in New York City, so one shouldn’t expect to receive a summons if a few leaves are scattered on the sidewalk outside their building. But the moment those pretty leaves become mixed with trash and other debris, property owners are responsible for their removal since they will then constitute “debris” rather than “organic waste.” To be on the safe side, it’s advisable to remove leaves on a regular basis.

The best place to dispose of them is in a composting bin. Compost separation is now mandatory in all five boroughs, and bins may also be found in public parks and curbsides.

Ice and Snow Removal: While leaf removal is voluntary, ice and snow removal are not—failure to comply will lead to hefty fines. As per NYC Administrative Code, whether you’re an “owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person having charge of any lot or building,” the snow and ice on all adjacent sidewalks is your responsibility.

Also, don’t procrastinate. The city even regulates how long you can sit inside before you go to tackle the ice and snow on the sidelines surrounding your building.

• If it stops snowing between 7:00 a.m. and 4:49 p.m., you must clear the sidewalks within 4 hours;

• If it stops snowing between 5 p.m. and 8:59 p.m., you must clear the sidewalks within 14 hours.

• If it stops snowing between 9 p.m. and 6:59 a.m., you must clear the sidewalks by 11 a.m. the next day.

Finally, don’t just push the snow onto the street! Covering a crosswalk, for example, is also a violation. Also, watch out for fire hydrants—you’re also responsible for ensuring they are visible and accessible to emergency crews. For more information, review the Department of Sanitation’s complete guidelines.

Support for Building Owners

Owners can find out everything they need to know about heat season and their obligations on the NYC Housing and Preservation site. If you’re an owner struggling to pay your bills and keep your heat at the regulated level, you may be eligible for help. For more information, explore the Home Energy Assistance Program.

Support for Tenants

If you are a tenant without heat or hot water, the first step is to contact your owner or management company. If no one responds or the owner or manager doesn’t fix the problem, contact 311 to launch a complaint. The next steps in the process are outlined here. To find out if there is already an open complaint in your building or to check on the status of your own complaint, visit HPDONLINE.

Prewar Listings with Central temperature control

581 Academy Street, #2F
$525,000

Inwood | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 900 ft²

581 Academy Street, #2F (Maz Group NY LLC)

From the Listing: Rare condo in Inwood! Extra large 2-bedroom with a view on a quiet, tree-lined street has a giant living room with a windowed dining area, king-sized bedrooms, and windowed kitchen with dishwasher and stainless steel appliances. Central air and heat for year-round comfort. See floor plan and full details here.

350 West 56th Street, #1C
$595,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 600 ft²

350 West 56th Street, #1C (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

From the Listing: Rarely available at 346 West 56th Street: this fully gut-renovated one-bedroom, one-bathroom home in a boutique elevator co-op offers unlimited subletting from day one, low maintenance, and the stability of a financially sound building. Step inside to discover soaring 10-foot ceilings, wide-plank oak hardwood floors, and south-facing windows that bring in consistent natural light while keeping the home quiet and comfortable, tucked away at the rear of the building. The open living and dining area is anchored by a custom breakfast island and enhanced by a built-in Sonance speaker system. See floor plan and full details here.

PS90, #4B
$599,000

Harlem | Condominium | Studio, 1 Bath | 792 ft²

PS90, #4B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: If size matters, then this is the loft space for you! Soaring 12.5-foot ceilings create a sense of drama in this elegant studio residence at the landmarked P.S. 90 Condominium. The expansive layout easily accommodates distinct areas for living, dining, and a home office. Exceptional storage is another standout feature, with three oversized closets, including a walk-in, providing the kind of space rarely found in a studio. See floor plan and full details here.

The Toy Factory Lofts, #7C
$850,000

Downtown Brooklyn | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 810 ft²

The Toy Factory Lofts, #7C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Welcome home to this extraordinary, expansive, sunny and super-cool 812-square-foot condo loft with a wall of windows, 11-foot ceilings, concrete column, original oak floors, industrial touches, in-unit laundry, central heat/ac, incredible city views and an unbeatable ambience at the historic Toy Factory Lofts in Downtown Brooklyn! Glorious all-day sunshine pours in through oversized double-paned windows looking out toward the southeastern horizon. See floor plan and full details here.

Turtle Bay Towers, #20H
$945,000 (-5.4%)

Turtle Bay/United Nations | Condop | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

Turtle Bay Towers, #20H (Compass)

From the Listing: Soho living in Midtown! This fully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath with river views from the living room and windowed kitchen. This is a dream apartment for someone that likes lots of closets. The unit has white oak plank floors and soaring 12’+ ceilings run throughout this designer loft. See floor plan and full details here.

River Front, #PH702
$1,100,000

DUMBO | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 700 ft²

River Front, #PH702 (Compass)

From the Listing: An architectural gem in the heart of DUMBO, this gut-renovated condo loft has been transformed into a home of both style and comfort. At 690 square feet, PH 702 at 57 Front Street offers a sunny, spacious layout anchored by a wall of oversized, south-facing windows, bathing the interiors in warm, natural light, highlighting its refined finishes and modern design. Renovated by renowned architecture firm dMAD, this home features a custom steel-and-glass partition that creates a proper bedroom while preserving its open, airy feel. See floor plan and full details here.

327 West 11th Street, #4E
$1,150,000

West Village | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

327 West 11th Street, #4E (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This apartment was completely renovated with all new appliances, flooring, and finishes, offering a pristine modern living experience within a classic, historic neighborhood. From the moment you step inside, you'll notice the beautiful exposed brick and soaring ceilings, enhanced by two large arched windows that flood the expansive living space with natural light - perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Sponsor unit - no board approval required. See floor plan and full details here.

3 Hanover Square, #11C
$1,245,000

Financial District | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,330 ft²

3 Hanover Square, #11C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Discover this beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence plus dedicated home office space in the heart of the Financial District - offering exceptional value that cannot be beat. This spacious 1,300+ square foot home features incredible storage throughout, including an oversized closet in the front hallway that can generously fit strollers, suitcases, and other large items. Storage unit on the same floor included. See floor plan and full details here.

Carriage House, #5B
$1,375,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,093 ft²

Carriage House, #5B (Yoreevo LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to Apartment 5B at 159 West 24th Street, an expansive two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft in the heart of Chelsea. This home is a true retreat spanning almost 1,100 square feet with all the modern conveniences you could ask for. And best of all, it's pin-drop quiet, thanks to its rear-facing, corner exposure, offering a peaceful escape from the city. Stepping inside, you'll be greeted by a light-filled space with oversized windows, high ceilings, and beautiful 7-inch wide plank white oak floors throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

393 West End Avenue, #6F
$1,585,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 995 ft²

393 West End Avenue, #6F (Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing LLC)

From the Listing: Residence 6F is a stunning one-bedroom, one and a half bathroom featuring a generous foyer and expansive living/dining room. The primary bedroom is king sized and enjoys an en suite bath with dual vanity and walk-in closet. The home is complete with a washer/dryer. This residence is beautifully proportioned and features many custom details throughout. See floor plan and full details here.

196 Sixth Avenue, #1A
$1,595,000 (-8.8%)

SoHo | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 2 Baths | 1,028 ft²

196 Sixth Avenue, #1A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Discover the perfect blend of historic charm and modern sophistication at 196 6th Avenue, Apartment #1A, located in the heart of SoHo. This unique one-bedroom duplex is housed in a landmark building originally constructed in 1893 as the 10th Precinct Police Station and converted to a co-op a century later. Upon entering, you are immediately amazed by the 14.2-foot ceilings and the dramatic light fixture that highlights the historic arched and soundproofed window which provides an abundance of natural light. See floor plan and full details here.

19 Prospect Park West, #5
$1,895,000

Park Slope | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

19 Prospect Park West, #5 (Digs Realty Group LLC)

From the Listing: Live your Park Slope dream in a stunning 25-foot-wide landmarked limestone directly across the street from Prospect Park. This rarely-available, generously-proportioned 2-bed/2-bath floor-through, with a private terrace, checks all of your boxes - and more! This exceptional residence blends historic charm with modern luxury in one of Brooklyn's most coveted locations. See floor plan and full details here.

Loft 124, #8A
$2,225,000

Harlem | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,959 ft²

Loft 124, #8A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Welcome to Loft 124, where soaring proportions, historic character, and modern luxury converge. This expansive 1,959-square-foot loft is in pristine condition and is flooded with sun from every room. The elevator opens directly into the apartment, where a foyer leads to a dramatic great room with 13-foot ceilings and 10-foot windows. From here, enjoy truly spectacular, wide-open city views stretching over Harlem's landmark brownstones to Central Park and all the way to Billionaires' Row and beyond. Private storage room included. See floor plan and full details here.

863 Park Avenue, #8W
$2,375,000 (-5%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

863 Park Avenue, #8W (Compass)

From the Listing: Apartment 8W is a bright, high floor, mint condition corner 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom apartment at Park Avenue and 77th Street. The living room, primary and secondary bedroom all front onto Park Avenue, a very rare find for the location and price point. The apartment features custom millwork, central air conditioning and a vented washer/dryer. Private storage cage conveys with sale. See floor plan and full details here.

Newswalk, #804
$2,495,000

Prospect Heights | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,697 ft²

Newswalk, #804 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Experience iconic loft living at Newswalk, a striking historic condominium at 535 Dean Street in the heart of Prospect Heights in Brooklyn. This expansive two-bedroom plus flex room, two-bath loft greets you with soaring ceilings and a dramatic wall of South-facing windows that flood the home with natural light throughout the day. Enjoy unobstructed views of the Verrazzano Bridge and Brooklyn skyline, creating a stunning backdrop for both everyday living and entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

The Hawthorne, #2A
$2,595,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Hawthorne, #2A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This impeccable and mint condition, two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence seamlessly blends the classic charm of old New York with the comfort and sophistication of modern living. Energy-efficient, soundproof windows ensure peace and privacy while framing gorgeous direct views of Central Park that change beautifully with the seasons. A special cable & internet package with Spectrum can be included in the maintenance bill for an additional $103.42/month. See floor plan and full details here.

One Wall Street, #2609
$2,995,000

Financial District | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,429 ft²

One Wall Street, #2609 (One Wall Street Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This outstanding two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence offers exceptional natural light from expansive east-facing windows across a luxuriously broad living space, ideally suited for entertaining. With ceiling heights over ten feet throughout and wide-plank French Oak hardwood floors underfoot, every facet of this residence showcases luxury. See floor plan and full details here.

Brisbane House, #6B
$3,200,000

East Harlem | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 2,500 ft²

Brisbane House, #6B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Don't miss Apartment 6B at the prestigious Brisbane House - a stunning Classic 8 residence with breathtaking views of Central Park. This home beautifully combines grand scale with comfortable living, featuring a timeless Art Deco motif and impeccable attention to detail. Step into a majestic double-entry foyer that not only welcomes you but offers ample storage. See floor plan and full details here.

Altair 20, #9A
$3,450,000

Flatiron/Union Square | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,259 ft²

Altair 20, #9A (Compass)

From the Listing: Enter through your home through a private keyed elevator, the kitchen spills into a sun-filled great room with soaring ceilings, wide-plank hardwood floors, and oversized south-facing windows. The expansive dining/living room features a Heatglow gas fireplace and a built-in Sonos sound system, creating the perfect setting for both entertaining and everyday living. Southern facing light pours into the home through four tall windows. Residence #9A specifically comes with a private storage unit. See floor plan and full details here.

The Ansonia, #5/109
$3,495,000

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,650 ft²

The Ansonia, #5/109 (Christies International Real Estate Group LLC)

From the Listing: Experience a truly remarkable prewar condominium in one of the Upper West Side's most celebrated landmarks. Commanding the prized northeast corner of The Ansonia, this expansive residence is bathed in natural light from three exposures and distinguished by soaring 9'10" ceilings and oversized windows throughout. Anchoring the home is a magnificent circular living room-one of only fourteen in the building-framed by three oversized windows with sweeping north and east views and centered around a decorative fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

65 Central Park West, #11D
$3,625,000 (-8.2%)

Central Park West | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

65 Central Park West, #11D (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Simply stunning, this sun-drenched, beautifully renovated two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home at 65 Central Park West offers elegant style and extraordinary views in an excellent full-service Emery Roth building directly across from Central Park! Residing on a high floor with most rooms facing east, breathtaking Central Park views are showcased along with the iconic NYC skyline. See floor plan and full details here.

Rentals with In-Unit Temperature Control

To gain more control over heating your home and reduce dependence on your landlord, consider renting an apartment with a central air conditioning system with temperature regulation. Rental units with these systems are most likely to be found in newer luxury buildings, and it's important to note that these self-controlled systems may lead to higher electric bills. Below, see a selection of newly launched buildings with this feature.

Mason Gray, Crown Heights
6 availabilities from $3,325
Up to 2 months free on a 12-month lease

Mason Gray (Triumph Property Group Ltd.)

Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, Mason Gray brings a contextually sensitive yet cutting edge design to the Crown Heights North II Historic District. All interiors feature thoughtful flow, multiple exposures, kitchens with custom cabinetry and Blomberg appliances, mosaic baths with free-floating sinks, and in-unit washer/dryers. Select units have private outdoor space, and all residents have access to the building's garden courtyard, outdoor patio, fitness center, coworking spaces, and film lounge.

Cirrus, Prospect Lefferts Gardens
2 availabilities from $2,929
Up to 1 month free on a 12-month lease

340 Lenox Road, Prospect Lefferts Gardens rental

Cirrus (Compass)

On a brownstone Brooklyn block, Cirrus stands out for its modern design and oversized windows. All interiors feature high ceilings, open-plan kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, central heating and air conditioning, and in-unit washers and dryers. Residential amenities include virtual doorman service, Amazon package lockers, a fitness studio with Peloton bikes, a coworking lounge with call rooms, a garden terrace, and a sky lounge with BBQ grills and wet bar.

Fabric Astoria
3 availabilities from $3,750
2 months free on a 18-month lease

Fabric Astoria (MNS)

Fabric Astoria's brick facade nods to the neighborhood's industrial history, but the interiors were designed for the modern renter. All residences feature open-plan layouts, built-in blinds on the oversized windows, modern kitchens, in-unit laundry, and central heating and air conditioning. A robust amenities package includes virtual doorman service, a fitness center with access to the courtyard, a lounge with pool table, a coworking lounge with conference rooms, and a landscaped roof terrace with Manhattan views. Additionally, the building is topped with solar panels.

Journal Square Urby, Jersey City
13 availabilities from $2,835
Up to 1 month free

Journal Square Urby (Urby)

Across the river, Journal Square Urby is distinguished by a 25-story mural by Felipe Pantone, and all interiors feature oversized windows, wide plank floors, upscale finishes, and in-unit laundry. An extensive amenity package includes a lobby with public cafe, a fitness center with yoga studio, a heated rooftop pool, and rooftop terrace with grills, dog park, and panoramic Manhattan skyline views.

Anagram Gramercy
No current availabilities

Anagram Gramercy (Global Holdings Management)

Anagram Gramercy, #3D (Compass)

In the wake of the full leasing at Anagram Columbus Circle, developer Global Holdings unveiled the rebranding of the postwar 51 Irving Place as Anagram Gramercy, the third building under the Anagram brand. Every studio to two-bedroom unit features updated finishes, including new hardwood floors, stainless steel kitchen appliances, subway-tiled baths with Kohler fixtures, and central temperature control. Amenities include virtual doorman service, a central laundry room, and a landscaped entrance courtyard reminiscent of the nearby Gramercy Park.

More Rental Deals

Contributing Writer Cait Etherington Cait Etherington has over twenty years of experience working as a journalist and communications consultant. Her articles and reviews have been published in newspapers and magazines across the United States and internationally. An experienced financial writer, Cait is committed to exposing the human side of stories about contemporary business, banking and workplace relations. She also enjoys writing about trends, lifestyles and real estate in New York City where she lives with her family in a cozy apartment on the twentieth floor of a Manhattan high rise.

Read Full Bio | Contact Cait Etherington

This is your member's center

In this article:

Building Temperatures

Water Temperatures

Other Heat Season Obligations

Support for Building Owners

Support for Tenants

Prewar Listings with Central temperature control

581 Academy Street, #2F
$525,000

350 West 56th Street, #1C
$595,000

PS90, #4B
$599,000

The Toy Factory Lofts, #7C
$850,000

Turtle Bay Towers, #20H
$945,000 (-5.4%)

River Front, #PH702
$1,100,000

327 West 11th Street, #4E
$1,150,000

3 Hanover Square, #11C
$1,245,000

Carriage House, #5B
$1,375,000

393 West End Avenue, #6F
$1,585,000

196 Sixth Avenue, #1A
$1,595,000 (-8.8%)

19 Prospect Park West, #5
$1,895,000

Loft 124, #8A
$2,225,000

863 Park Avenue, #8W
$2,375,000 (-5%)

Newswalk, #804
$2,495,000

The Hawthorne, #2A
$2,595,000

One Wall Street, #2609
$2,995,000

Brisbane House, #6B
$3,200,000

Altair 20, #9A
$3,450,000

The Ansonia, #5/109
$3,495,000

65 Central Park West, #11D
$3,625,000 (-8.2%)

Rentals with In-Unit Temperature Control

Mason Gray, Crown Heights
6 availabilities from $3,325
Up to 2 months free on a 12-month lease

6 availabilities from $3,325
Up to 2 months free on a 12-month lease

Cirrus, Prospect Lefferts Gardens
2 availabilities from $2,929
Up to 1 month free on a 12-month lease

2 availabilities from $2,929
Up to 1 month free on a 12-month lease

Fabric Astoria
3 availabilities from $3,750
2 months free on a 18-month lease

3 availabilities from $3,750
2 months free on a 18-month lease

Journal Square Urby, Jersey City
13 availabilities from $2,835
Up to 1 month free

13 availabilities from $2,835
Up to 1 month free

Anagram Gramercy
No current availabilities

No current availabilities

This is your member's center

In this article:

Building Temperatures

Water Temperatures

Other Heat Season Obligations

Support for Building Owners

Support for Tenants

Prewar Listings with Central temperature control

Rentals with In-Unit Temperature Control

Mason Gray, Crown Heights 6 availabilities from $3,325 Up to 2 months free on a 12-month lease

6 availabilities from $3,325 Up to 2 months free on a 12-month lease

Cirrus, Prospect Lefferts Gardens 2 availabilities from $2,929 Up to 1 month free on a 12-month lease

2 availabilities from $2,929 Up to 1 month free on a 12-month lease

Fabric Astoria 3 availabilities from $3,750 2 months free on a 18-month lease

3 availabilities from $3,750 2 months free on a 18-month lease

Journal Square Urby, Jersey City 13 availabilities from $2,835 Up to 1 month free

13 availabilities from $2,835 Up to 1 month free

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Mason Gray, Crown Heights
6 availabilities from $3,325
Up to 2 months free on a 12-month lease

6 availabilities from $3,325
Up to 2 months free on a 12-month lease

Cirrus, Prospect Lefferts Gardens
2 availabilities from $2,929
Up to 1 month free on a 12-month lease

2 availabilities from $2,929
Up to 1 month free on a 12-month lease

Fabric Astoria
3 availabilities from $3,750
2 months free on a 18-month lease

3 availabilities from $3,750
2 months free on a 18-month lease

Journal Square Urby, Jersey City
13 availabilities from $2,835
Up to 1 month free

13 availabilities from $2,835
Up to 1 month free