Know Your Deadlines Before the Season Starts

 

The single most preventable violation is being caught unprepared on day one of heating season. Many landlords mark October 1 as their target date but in Westchester County, heating season begins September 15, two full weeks earlier. This catches building owners off guard every year.

The practical rule: put September 1 in your calendar as your action date, regardless of jurisdiction. That gives you enough time to service the boiler, arrange fuel contracts, and test the system under load before temperatures drop.

Jurisdiction Season start Season end Notable difference
New York City October 1 May 31 Class C violation after 24 hrs; fastest enforcement
Westchester County ⚠️ September 15 May 31 2 weeks earlier than NYC – most landlords miss this
Nassau & Suffolk October 1 May 31 Overnight standard is 65°F – higher than NYC’s 62°F
Putnam / Dutchess October 1 May 31 Tenants can legally withhold rent for non-compliance
New Jersey October 1 May 31 Enforcement is municipal varies significantly by town
Connecticut October 1 May 31 After 2 business days, tenants can arrange substitute housing at landlord’s cost

Sources: https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/penalties-and-fees.page
https://legalclarity.org/municipal-ordinance-violations-in-new-jersey-what-you-need-to-know/

📅 HOT WATER IS YEAR-ROUND

The heating season governs when you must provide heat but your obligation to maintain hot water at a minimum of 120°F applies 365 days a year in all jurisdictions. A failed boiler in July still creates compliance exposure for hot water.

OTHER RELATED RESOURCES ON MOBILE STEAM

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Heating regulations vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with your local housing authority, code enforcement office, or a licensed attorney before making compliance decisions.