When should I use a Heat & Hot Water Complaint?

Formally notify your landlord of a failure to provide heat or hot water, which is required by law. Sending a formal written letter creates an important paper trail and is often required before pursuing legal remedies.

Does a Heat & Hot Water Complaint need to be sent by certified mail?

While not always legally required, sending important tenant letters via certified mail with return receipt provides proof of delivery — which is valuable if the matter goes to court or a housing authority.

All Templates

New York City Tenant Tools

Safety

Heat & Hot Water Complaint

Formally notify your landlord of a failure to provide heat or hot water, which is required by law. Fill in your details below — the letter updates in real-time.

Fill in Your Details

Fields update the letter preview in real-time. All information stays in your browser.

Your Full Name*

Your Address*

Landlord / Management Company*

Landlord Address

Date*

Issue Type*

When Did the Problem Start?*

Indoor Temperature (if known)

Prior Reports to Landlord / 311

Resolution Deadline

New York City housing agency: HPD (NYC Housing Preservation & Development). After sending this letter, you may also file a complaint directly with HPD (NYC Housing Preservation & Development).

Heat & Hot Water Complaint









Re: Failure to Provide  — 

Dear ,

I am writing to formally notify you that as of , my unit at  has lacked adequate . The current indoor temperature is . This constitutes a violation of applicable housing codes, which require landlords to maintain minimum heat and hot water standards.

Prior reports I have made:



The failure to provide  is a serious habitability issue and poses a health and safety risk. I am requesting that this issue be resolved within .

If this issue is not resolved promptly, I will file a formal complaint with the local housing authority, pursue all available legal remedies including rent withholding and rent reduction, and seek emergency relief if necessary.

Please respond in writing to confirm a timeline for restoration of .

Sincerely,

This letter is a template for informational purposes. Consider consulting with a tenant rights attorney for your specific situation.

Send Certified Mail

Send via USPS certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery — useful if this escalates.

Keep a Copy

Save a dated copy for your records. Print to PDF using "Print / Save PDF" and store it safely.

File a Complaint Too

For serious issues, also file a complaint with HPD (NYC Housing Preservation & Development) alongside sending this letter.

View all New York City tenant letter templates