Cal. Civ. Code § 173
Heating
Operative Text
§ 173. Heating. Every new dwelling shall be provided with heat in all living rooms sufficient to maintain the minimum temperatures required by local law, ordinances, rules or regulation, or by the local public health officer, provided, however, that such minimum temperature shall, notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision one of section three hundred twenty-nine of this chapter, be sixty-eight degrees Fahrenheit during the hours between six o'clock in the morning and ten o'clock in the evening during the months between October first and May thirty-first, whenever the outdoor temperature falls below fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit.
Under N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 173, every new dwelling must be supplied with enough heat in all living rooms to meet the minimum temperatures set by local law or public health authorities. Regardless of any conflicting local standards, the law establishes a statewide floor: living spaces must reach at least 68°F between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. from October 1 through May 31 whenever the outdoor temperature drops below 55°F. This rule sets the baseline heating obligation that applies to covered dwellings throughout New York.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of new dwellings covered by N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 173 generally maintain heating systems capable of delivering at least 68°F in all living rooms during the daytime and evening hours of the heating season—October 1 through May 31—whenever outdoor temperatures fall below 55°F. Compliant operators also monitor applicable local laws and public health regulations, since § 173 requires meeting whichever standard is more protective. Keeping records of heating system maintenance and temperature logs is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.Y. Mult. Resid. Law § 173 gives residents of covered new dwellings the right to adequate heat—at minimum 68°F in living rooms during daytime and evening hours throughout the heating season when outdoor temperatures drop below 55°F. Tenants who believe this standard is not being met may document conditions, notify their landlord in writing, and consider filing a complaint with their local housing or building department or rent board if one applies to their building. Tenant-rights organizations in New York can help residents understand how § 173 applies to their building type and what enforcement options are generally available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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