When is a Landlord Supposed to Turn on Heat
It becomes a certain time of the year when landlords all over are wondering the same question. The leaves have been falling. The temperatures are lowering. Is it time to turn on that heater? When is a landlord supposed to turn on heat? There is bound to be some regulation on the matter, since tenants need to make sure they aren’t being neglected by their landlord. On the other hand, there is surely differences in the various parts of the country.
As one of the premiere apartment management companies in Boston, we understand how landlords would need some clarity. Some winters sneak up on us in Boston. There isn’t always a clear date that always makes sense to turn the heat on. Here we will answer and explore the following:
- When is a Landlord Supposed to Turn on Heat
? – We will first make sure we answer the question. - Overview of Landlord Heating Requirements (in Boston) – Then we will touch on a few heat-related requirements that landlords need to make sure they abide by (and tenants can know their rights better).
- How a Property Management Company Could Help – Finally, we will address how hiring a property manager would help in making sure these things are never overlooked.
When is a Landlord Supposed to Turn on Heat?
This is one of the questions that can vary based on local and state regulations. It is reasonable to think that laws in Massachusetts or Michigan are different than they are in Texas or Florida. Landlords should always make sure they are aware of the particular regulations that they need to abide by.
According to Massachusetts’s law:
From September 16 to June 14, every room must be heated to at least 68º F between 7:00 AM and 11 PM, and at least 64º F at all other hours. During the heating season, the maximum heat allowable in the apartment is 78º F.
If you’re looking for regulations regarding heat-related matters in other states, you might find what you are looking for at FindLaw.com.
Overview of Landlord Heating Requirements (in Boston)
It can be helpful to know all the various regulations and requirements involved with heating in your area. It’s not just about when is a landlord supposed to turn on heat, but also what other concerns tenants might have that could become an issue. As explained, in Boston, landlords are legally obligated to provide heating systems that maintain those specific temperatures within residential units during the heating season (September 15 to June 15). Every habitable room must be heated to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit between 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM and 64 degrees Fahrenheit outside of that timeframe.
One question might become, what is considered a “habitable” room? The regulations apply to all habitable rooms, and those include areas intended for living, sleeping, cooking, or eating. Rooms containing only a toilet, bathtub, or shower are not classified as habitable and are not subject to those requirements. That doesn’t mean landlords should completely neglect the comfort needed in these rooms; it just means the temperatures in those rooms may not be legally required to fall in that same range.
Ultimately, landlords are responsible for maintaining heating systems in good working order. If you’re asking when is a landlord supposed to turn on heat, it is assumed that you already have heating units that work and can be turned on as needed. If a tenant experiences issues with heating, they should notify the landlord in writing. It certainly helps to make sure you have outlined the entire process related to repairs in the lease agreement. If the landlord fails to address the problem within a reasonable timeframe, tenants have the right to request an inspection or take it to their local code enforcement agency. These agencies can assess the situation and, if necessary, compel the landlord to make the required repairs.
It’s important to note that while these state regulations set the minimum standards, local ordinances in Boston and throughout Massachusetts may impose additional requirements. For instance, the City of Boston’s housing code mandates that if a property owner pays for utilities, they must heat habitable rooms to the above specifications. In the suburbs or outside of Boston, there may be different regulations that outline something completely different. Landlords should be aware of both state and local regulations.
How a Property Management Company Could Help
As it is required in most places, landlords typically have proper heating in their rental units. If included with the unit as an amenity, the landlord is responsible for keeping the system in working order. Just as you would repair or replace an included appliance, HVAC and heating units require the same care and attention.
Whether it is Summer or Fall, your rental property’s heating and HVAC systems will need attention. Wouldn’t it be great to not have to worry about these things so much? Are you searching for a stress-free way to manage the day to day tasks of your rental property? Contact Bay Property Management Group for all your needs. We provide property services in Boston, Washington D.C., Virginia, Atlanta, and elsewhere.
