As winter temperatures begin to drop, keeping your home warm and safe becomes a top priority for every resident. Yonkers is taking proactive steps to ensure that all tenant-occupied residential buildings meet proper heating standards. With Mayor Mike Spano’s announcement, the Yonkers Department of Housing and Buildings has issued its annual heat complaint hotline and heating regulations to ensure the well-being of residents throughout the cold season.
Ensuring Warmth and Safety in Your Home
Mayor Mike Spano emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment during the colder months, urging all residents to check their heating systems and ensure their homes are warm enough. “As the cold weather sets in this season, it’s crucial to ensure our homes are safe and warm,” said Mayor Spano. “I urge residents to reach out to the City heat hotline if their homes don’t meet the building standards so we can take prompt action.”
In addition, Mayor Spano encourages neighbors to help one another, particularly seniors who may need extra assistance. “I also ask everyone to check on their senior neighbors and offer assistance, as good neighbors should,” he added.
Heat Regulations for Residential Buildings
According to the New York State Property Maintenance Code, landlords and property owners in Yonkers must ensure that heating is properly maintained throughout the colder months. The heating regulations for all residential buildings are as follows:
- From September 15th to May 31st, the inside temperature of habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms should be no less than 68°F (20°C).
- During colder periods, if the outside temperature falls below 55°F, the following heating requirements must be met:
- From 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM: A minimum temperature of 68°F
- From 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM: A minimum temperature of 65°F
- Hot water: Must be maintained at a minimum temperature of 120°F at all times.
These regulations are in place to ensure that all Yonkers residents can enjoy a safe and warm living space, especially during harsh winter months.
How to Report Heating Issues
If your home is not meeting these heating standards or if you experience any heating issues, you can contact the Yonkers Heat Emergency telephone number, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here are the key contact numbers:
- Heat Emergency Hotline: 914-965-3331
- Yonkers Housing and Buildings Department: 914-377-6879 (available Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
Residents are encouraged to reach out immediately if they experience heating problems or need assistance ensuring their homes comply with these regulations.
Looking Out for Your Neighbors
During the cold season, it’s essential to be a good neighbor. Yonkers Mayor Spano urges everyone to check on elderly neighbors and offer assistance when needed. Cold temperatures can be especially dangerous for seniors, so reaching out and helping out is a simple yet impactful way to ensure everyone’s safety.
