City Heating Ordinance Now in Effect

Mayor Luis A. Quintana and Director of Neighborhood and Recreational Services Tharien Karim Arnold reminded Newark residents today to be prepared for arctic blasts and high winds this weekend, with temperatures dropping into the 20s and gusts of up to 45 miles per hour expected.

The city heating season began on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, and landlords in Newark are required by municipal ordinance to maintain homes at 68 degrees between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., and at 65 degrees from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., from October 1, 2013, through May 1, 2014.

“Maintaining public safety in Newark also means providing residents with sufficient heat in winter,” said Mayor Quintana. “Landlords have a moral and legal obligation to provide heat to their tenants and I urge them to abide by city laws.”

Failure to supply heat at the minimum of 68 degrees can result in legal action in Newark Municipal Court. Fines imposed on landlords can exceed $1,000 per day for each day until the heat is fully restored.

Tenants residing in apartments without heat and hot running water, or have had their utilities shut off can call the City of Newark’s Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311, Mondays to Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On weekends and holidays, please contact the “No Heat Hotline” at (973) 733-6471, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“Most of our landlords follow the law and provide residents with heat during the winter months,” Director Arnold said. “However, some landlords are unable or unwilling to do so. Landlords who fail to heat apartments and protect our residents will be held accountable.”

The ordinance for “No Heat” 18:3-1.19 (C) states: “When the owner is obligated to supply heat, such heat shall be supplied in every unit of dwelling space and every habitable room therein from October 1 through May 1 so that: Between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., a minimum inside temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained.  Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., a minimum inside temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit shall be maintained.”

In addition, Director of Child and Family Well-Being L’Tanya Williamson reminded residents of the hazards of cold weather. “Several layers of warm clothing, and protection against wetting and wind are important, even though weather may not seem to threaten cold injury. Gloves and socks should be kept as dry as possible, and insulated boots that do not impede circulation are essential in very cold weather.  Warm head covering is particularly important, since 30 percent of heat loss is from the head,” she said.

Anyone with questions about the City’s no-heat ordinances or any other Newark municipal policy or program can contact the Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

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