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When is heat season in Philadelphia, and what must landlords provide?
Short answer
Heat season October 1 - April 30 (2+ unit buildings and rooming houses): 68°F, plus May/September when below 60°F outside
Season: Every year from October 1 through April 30
From October 1 through April 30, supply heat at 68°F to each apartment, and also in May or September whenever the outside temperature falls below 60°F.
"safe, reliable heat is required by law during Heat Season, which runs from October 1 through April 30." phila.gov
"These heating requirements apply to two-family homes, multi-family buildings, and rooming houses." phila.gov
"In rooming houses and buildings with two or more dwelling units, the landlord must supply heat at a temperature of 68 degrees for each apartment from October 1 through April 30 and during the months of May or September when the outside temperature falls below 60 degrees F." phila.gov
Heat season October 1 - April 30 (2+ unit buildings and rooming houses): 68°F, plus May/September when below 60°F outside Verified
Deadline: Every year from October 1 through April 30
From October 1 through April 30, supply heat at 68°F to each apartment, and also in May or September whenever the outside temperature falls below 60°F.
Who it covers: Applies to two-family homes, multi-family buildings and rooming houses; single-family homes are exempt. Not required where each unit has separate permanent heating equipment solely under the tenant's control.
"safe, reliable heat is required by law during Heat Season, which runs from October 1 through April 30." phila.gov
"These heating requirements apply to two-family homes, multi-family buildings, and rooming houses." phila.gov
"In rooming houses and buildings with two or more dwelling units, the landlord must supply heat at a temperature of 68 degrees for each apartment from October 1 through April 30 and during the months of May or September when the outside temperature falls below 60 degrees F." phila.gov
"The landlord does not have to supply heat if the dwelling unit is provided with separate permanent heating equipment solely under the control of the tenant of that apartment." phila.gov
Notes: L&I 'Know Your Heat Rights' (Jan 2026) and Partners for Good Housing (2025); Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code PM-602 (code text not snapshotted).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction