Heating Regulations

Who is responsible for the heat in my dwelling?

The Nassau County Health Department does not regulate owner occupied dwellings like owner occupied single-family homes, condominiums, and co-op apartments (problems need to be addressed with the building managers, owners boards, or through legal counsel). For rental dwellings, heat and utilities in single-family homes are generally the responsibility of the occupants. In multi-unit buildings, unless other agreements have been reached, the owner/landlord is generally responsible for the heat. In all cases where there is a shared or common service that is not metered or billed separately for each dwelling unit, the owner/landlord is responsible for providing these utilities. The owner/landlord is also responsible for assuring that the delivery systems for heat and hot water are functioning properly in all cases.

Does the Health Department regulate heat in offices, commercial, or industrial areas?

No, Nassau County Health Department only regulates heat for rental residential dwellings. Complaints concerning the workplace should be directed to the New York State Labor Department at (516) 334-3344

When is it required for heat to be provided?

In Nassau County, the Nassau County Public Health Ordinance requires that heat be provided from October 1st through May 31st the following year, any time the outside temperature drops below 55 F. The required minimum temperature is 65 F between 10PM and 6 AM (overnight) and 68 F between 6AM and 10PM (during the day).

Does the Nassau County Health Department regulate all areas of Nassau County for heat?

No. Several incorporated villages, and the two cities (Glen Cove and Long Beach) have regulations that are more restrictive and enforce their own heating regulations. The Villages who regulate heating requirements themselves are: Cedarhurst, Freeport, Great Neck Plaza, Great Neck, Hempstead, Lynbrook, and Rockville Centre. If you live in any of these villages or cities, call the municipal offices to find out about the heating regulations that apply to your home and the phone numbers to call to report any problem.

Is more information available?

For more information, please contact your local municipality:

If Nassau County residents have additional questions or concerns regarding heat in their dwelling, they can call the NC Department of Health - Community Sanitation Program at 516-227-9715).