Abrahams Reminds Residents of Rental Heating Requirements

With colder temperatures, Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) and the Nassau County Department of Health reminds all landlords that they must provide heat to their tenants in accordance with the Nassau County Public Health Ordinance.The ordinance is in effect between October 1 and May 31 and requires the following minimum temperatures be maintained indoors when the outside temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit:

68 degrees Fahrenheit from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

65 degrees Fahrenheit from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

If these temperatures are not maintained, tenants should call the Health Department weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 571-3678.For evenings, weekends and holidays, use the after hours number, 742-6154.

“The winter can be a dangerous time if homes are not properly heated,” Abrahams said. “Make sure that your landlord is providing you with the heat you and your family require.”

Residents renting an entire single family home are not covered by this ordinance. Residents of co-ops or condominium units with a centralized heating unit should first call their building manager or governing board of managers for assistance before contacting the Nassau County Department of Health.Co-op and condominium residents with individual heating units are responsible for their own heat.

The cities and villages of Glen Cove, Long Beach, Cedarhurst, Great Neck, Great Neck Plaza, Lynbrook, Freeport, Rockville Centre and Hempstead enforce their own heating ordinances.Residents of these cities and villages can call their local Building Departments for assistance.