With colder temperatures, the Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents that the Nassau County Public Health Ordinance protects tenants whose heat is provided by a landlord. The ordinance, effective between October 1 and May 31, requires that when the outside temperature drops below 55 F., the following minimum temperatures must be maintained indoors:

68 F. from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
65 F. from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

If these temperatures are not maintained, tenants should call the Health Department weekdays from 9:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M. at 571-3679. On evenings, weekends and holidays, the emergency number is 742-6154.

Residents of co-ops or condominiums 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.