What to do if your rented apartment is cold: methods of negotiation and influence on landlords

Have you already taken your warmest winter outfit out of the closet and stocked up on your favorite hot drinks, but it’s still cold in your rented apartment? NYTimes explains how tenants can influence property owners.

If your rental apartment is cold and the temperature is below freezing, what steps can you take to counter the management's response? Many tenants worry that their contract rental will not be extended unless they declare it.

The landlord needs to provide heat during the cold months. If the apartment is not heated properly, tenants should gather their neighbors and complain together.

Temperature Standards in New York

New York City requires building owners to provide heat to their tenants from October 1 to May 31. If the outside temperature drops below 12,7 degrees Fahrenheit between 6 a.m. and 00 p.m., the indoor temperature must be 22 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, between 00 p.m. and 20 a.m., the indoor temperature must be 22 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the outside temperature.

On the subject: New York City renters will no longer have to pay brokerage fees, city passes new law

However, you will have a valid complaint if the temperature in your apartment really does not meet the standards.

"First, do your homework," said Don Erwin, a forensic architect. "Find out if you have a case."

What to do if it's cold in the apartment

Buy a thermometer with a digital display that will measure the temperature in the room. Take pictures of the readings over time to provide evidence for your complaint. Record the time of day and the outside temperature at that time. If you find that the temperature is below the acceptable limit, ask your neighbors to do the same.

"I encourage neighbors to form a group," said Adam Leitman Bailey, a real estate attorney.

You may also be able to share the cost of an engineer checking your apartment for problems with the new heating system with your neighbors. If you end up in a legal dispute with your landlord, you will need this expert testimony.

Once you have established that there is a legal problem, request a meeting with your landlord and management company. Bring your evidence and your like-minded neighbors. If you do not receive a response, there are other steps to take that may create friction with your landlord. You can call 311 and have an inspector come out. And if that does not work, go to housing court to file a lawsuit.