Heat Requirements

Renters, don’t wait until it’s below zero before you tell your landlord that you suspect your heat is not working properly. The City urges tenants to gauge the efficiency of their apartments’ heat during mild winter days and to work closely with their landlords to prevent temperature emergencies.

Landlord Requirements

Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases, or lets one or more dwelling unit, lodging unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guest room on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat as follows:

• Sep. 15 to June 1:  not less than 68º F
  • Required in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
  • Temperature readings must be taken three feet from an exterior wall and three feet above the floor.
  • Space heaters, whether portable or permanently installed, shall not be utilized as the primary source of heat for any such unit or room.
  • Buildings or individual units shall employ central heating systems except where a designed system is approved by the building official.

Tenant Assistance

• Renters experiencing cold conditions or hazardous stairwells, etc., should contact their landlord for assistance immediately.
• If assistance is not provided in a timely manner, please contact Property Standards through 311, online
• For heat emergencies after hours, including weekends, please call the Police non-emergency number at (847) 866-5000 and ask for the Property Maintenance Inspector on call to be contacted.
• Ensure storm windows are closed, radiators/vents are in the open position, and furniture is not blocking radiators and vents.