Sen. Schneiderman Introduces Bill To Keep New Yorkers Warm at Night

NEW YORK – With the autumn months fast approaching, Sen. Eric T. Schneiderman (D-Manhattan/Bronx) introduced a bill (S.6147) to increase the minimum home heating temperature for rental units. The bill institutes a 60 degree Fahrenheit temperature standard for tenants in buildings consisting of three-family units or more, up from the current 55 degree minimum.

“An increase in minimum heating standards for tenants is long overdue,” said Sen. Schneiderman. “This legislation will improve the lives of seniors and many other renters throughout the state who deserve comfortable living conditions in the punishing winter season.”

S.6147 requires landlords to maintain a 60 degree minimum temperature from October 1st to May 31st when the outdoor temperature drops below 40 degrees, from 10pm to 6am. The increase in the minimum heating temperature regulations is an attempt to address the winter concerns of many tenants, thereby creating a warmer, more comfortable living environment for the great number of New York State residents in rental housing.

Assemblymember Vito Lopez (D-Brooklyn) is the lead sponsor of the bill (A.5698) in the Assembly. It passed the Assembly unanimously in May.

When asked about the bill, Assemblymember Lopez stated, "I am proud to see this important piece of legislation pass. It will improve the quality of life for all residents of New York State."