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.

Last verified: 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium

Heat season

When landlords must supply heat each year, and the minimum indoor temperatures required during the heating season.

6 verified rules
Where	Rule	Deadline	Status
New Jersey	Heat season October 1 - May 15 (buildings with 3+ units): 68°F 6 a.m.-11 p.m., 65°F overnight	Every year from October 1 through May 15	verified, medium confidence, checked 2026-10-20
Massachusetts	Heat season September 15 - May 31: 68°F 7 a.m.-11 p.m., 64°F overnight, never above 78°F	Every year from September 15 through May 31	verified, high confidence, checked 2026-10-20
Boston, MA	Heat season (Boston ISD enforces the State Sanitary Code): September 15 - May 31; some City pages still say June 15	Every year from September 15 through May 31	verified, medium confidence, checked 2026-10-20
Philadelphia, PA	Heat season October 1 - April 30 (2+ unit buildings and rooming houses): 68°F, plus May/September when below 60°F outside	Every year from October 1 through April 30	verified, high confidence, checked 2026-10-20
New York City, NY	Heat season October 1 - May 31: 68°F by day when it is below 55°F outside, 62°F at night; hot water 120°F all year	Every year from October 1 through May 31	verified, high confidence, checked 2026-10-20
Chicago, IL	Heat season September 15 - June 1: 68°F daytime / 66°F night where the landlord controls heat	Every year from September 15 through June 1	verified, high confidence, checked 2026-10-20

Heat season: one page per state and city

Other topics: Security deposit return · Deposit receipts and bank notices · Security deposit interest · Rental registration and licensing · Rental inspections and certificates · Smoke and CO alarms · Lead paint disclosure and certifications · Required tenant notices · Rent increase notice · Non-renewal and termination notice · Notice before entry · Appliances and locks · Income tax filing · Estimated tax payments · Information returns (1099s).