Not legal advice. This is a free reference compiled from official government sources. Laws change and local details matter. Confirm every deadline with the official source or a licensed attorney before you rely on it.
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When is heat season in Boston, and what must landlords provide?
Short answer
Heat season (Boston ISD enforces the State Sanitary Code): September 15 - May 31; some City pages still say June 15
Season: Every year from September 15 through May 31
If you pay for heat, provide it from September 15 to May 31 at 68°F by day (7 a.m.-11 p.m.) and 64°F at night. Some boston.gov pages still give June 15 as the end date; heating through June 15 satisfies both.
"You must pay for heat and hot water unless you and your tenant have signed a written agreement that says the tenant must pay. You must provide heat between Sept. 15 and May 31." boston.gov
"you must keep the heat at a minimum of 68 degrees from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. during heating season from September 15 - June 15. The heat can’t go below 64 degrees outside of those hours." boston.gov
Heat season (Boston ISD enforces the State Sanitary Code): September 15 - May 31; some City pages still say June 15 Verified
Deadline: Every year from September 15 through May 31
If you pay for heat, provide it from September 15 to May 31 at 68°F by day (7 a.m.-11 p.m.) and 64°F at night. Some boston.gov pages still give June 15 as the end date; heating through June 15 satisfies both.
Who it covers: Applies when the landlord pays for heat (a tenant can be required to pay only under a written agreement with separately metered service). Complaints: Inspectional Services.
"You must pay for heat and hot water unless you and your tenant have signed a written agreement that says the tenant must pay. You must provide heat between Sept. 15 and May 31." boston.gov
"you must keep the heat at a minimum of 68 degrees from 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. during heating season from September 15 - June 15. The heat can’t go below 64 degrees outside of those hours." boston.gov
Notes: City pages conflict on the end date: the Office of Housing 'Top ten' page says May 31 (matching current 105 CMR 410.180), while the ISD housing code page and the 311 heating page still say June 15 (the pre-2023 state code). Confirm with Inspectional Services.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction