NYC Tenants Endure Winter Freeze in Their Own Homes

In New York City this winter, some residents are facing a dangerous choice: freeze or risk a fire. A number of rented apartments have gone without heat or hot water for over a week. This ongoing crisis forces tenants to take extreme measures to stay warm. Many are wearing multiple layers of clothing indoors. Others are relying on dangerous alternatives, like space heaters. These devices are a major fire hazard, especially in older buildings. Landlords in New York are legally required to provide heat. From October through May, indoor temperatures must be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) during the day and 62 degrees (17 Celsius) at night. City officials urge affected tenants to file formal complaints. They warn that using cooking ovens for heat is particularly unsafe. For now, those without heat continue to wait for a solution, trapped in a cold and risky situation.