Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 245 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 245-188
Heat
Operative Text
A. Every owner or operator of a building, who permits to be occupied any dwelling unit or rooming unit therein under an agreement, expressed or implied, to supply or furnish heat to the occupants thereof, shall supply heat adequate to maintain no less than a minimum inside temperature of 65° F. between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and not less than 60° F. between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Whenever the ambient temperature outside of the building or part thereof shall fall below 55° F., said temperature shall be provided in all habitable rooms, shower rooms, bathrooms, water-closet compartments and kitchens. B. Temperature requirements shall be measured 36 inches from the floor at approximately the center of the room. C. The provisions of this section shall not apply where the failure to maintain minimum requirements is caused by a general shortage of fuel, negligent or malicious acts of the occupant, necessary repairs or alterations or any cause beyond the control of the owner or occupant such as might be mandated or recommended by the Westchester County Department of Health in an emergency crisis. D. Heating facilities, if such are under the occupant's control, shall be operated in order to maintain above-freezing temperatures at all times in all parts of the residential building, dwelling unit or rooming unit that is occupied, so as to prevent injury or damage to water pipes and plumbing.
Section 245-188 of the Sleepy Hollow Code of Ordinances establishes minimum indoor heating temperatures that must be maintained in occupied dwelling and rooming units when heat is part of the rental arrangement. During daytime hours (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), indoor temperatures must reach at least 65°F, and during nighttime hours (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.), at least 60°F — both requirements triggered whenever outdoor temperatures drop below 55°F. Temperatures are measured 36 inches above the floor near the center of the room. Certain circumstances, such as fuel shortages, occupant misconduct, necessary repairs, or emergencies directed by the Westchester County Department of Health, may excuse a failure to meet these minimums.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Sleepy Hollow Code § 245-188, building owners and operators who have agreed — expressly or implicitly — to provide heat are generally expected to maintain heating systems capable of meeting the 65°F daytime and 60°F nighttime minimums whenever outdoor temperatures fall below 55°F. Compliant operators typically document heating system maintenance, respond promptly to heating complaints, and keep records of any circumstances — such as emergency fuel shortages or health department directives — that might fall under the provision's recognized exceptions. Where heating controls are in the occupant's hands, the ordinance also requires that those facilities be operated to keep all occupied areas above freezing at all times to protect plumbing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 245-188 of the Sleepy Hollow Code of Ordinances gives occupants a right to adequate heat — at least 65°F during the day and 60°F at night — when heat is part of their rental arrangement and outdoor temperatures drop below 55°F. Tenants who believe these minimums are not being met may consider documenting temperature readings (taken 36 inches from the floor near the room's center, as the provision specifies), notifying the building owner or operator in writing, and contacting local code enforcement or housing authorities in Sleepy Hollow. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Westchester County housing law can help explain available complaint and enforcement paths under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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