James Warns Landlords: NYC Tenants Have Rights in the Cold

NEW YORK – While the city freezes, some landlords are letting tenants suffer. New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stark reminder today: tenants have rights, even when the snow piles up and the mercury plummets. Landlords are legally obligated to provide essential services – adequate heat, hot water, and safe, passable walkways – and failing to do so isn’t just negligent, it’s a violation of the law.

“Even during the harshest winter storms, tenants have the right to safe and livable homes,” James stated bluntly. “Landlords are legally required to provide heat and hot water and to ensure that common areas and building entrances are safe and accessible. No New Yorker should be left in the cold or forced to navigate dangerous, icy conditions.” The AG’s office is urging tenants to know their rights and, crucially, to *use* them.

The heat requirements are non-negotiable. Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., if the outside temperature dips below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, inside temperatures must be a minimum of 68 degrees. Nighttime isn’t a loophole either; from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., the inside temperature must be at least 62 degrees, regardless of the weather outside. Hot water is a year-round necessity, maintained at a constant minimum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Tenants facing a cold shoulder from their landlords should first attempt written notification. But don’t stop there.

If a landlord ignores complaints, tenants have options. In New York City, dial 311 or file a complaint online. Outside the city, contact your local code enforcement office. Rent-regulated tenants may even be eligible for a rent reduction if essential services are cut off. The State Homes and Community Renewal agency is the place to file those claims. But the responsibility doesn’t end with heat and water. Property owners are also on the hook for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, steps, and entrances.

In New York City, a four-foot-wide path on sidewalks must be cleared. And it’s not enough to just shovel – frozen patches require salt, sand, or similar materials to prevent dangerous slips and falls. Timeframes are strict: four hours after snowfall ends between 7 a.m. and 4:59 p.m.; fourteen hours between 5 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.; and by 11 a.m. if snowfall ends overnight. Tenants are generally off the hook for snow removal unless explicitly stated in their lease.

Attorney General James isn’t just issuing warnings; she’s promising action. Her office urges tenants to document issues, notify landlords in writing, and contact the appropriate agencies if problems persist. The OAG remains committed to protecting tenants’ rights and ensuring New Yorkers are safe during severe winter weather. Anyone believing their rights have been violated can file a complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755. This isn’t a request; it’s a call to action. Don’t suffer in silence – fight for what you deserve.