Chicago Heat Rules for Landlords and Tenants

For many Chicago renters and landlords, heat is not just a comfort issue. It is a legal requirement. The City of Chicago's heat ordinance sets minimum indoor temperatures for residential buildings for most of the year. Understanding the rules helps tenants know their rights and helps owners avoid fines and keep tenants safe.

This guide summarizes the key points of the ordinance based on the City of Chicago's published guidance. It is general information, not legal advice. For specific situations, consult the ordinance itself, the City or a qualified attorney.

Heat Season: September 15 to June 1

The Chicago heat ordinance, found in Section 14X-8-803 of the Municipal Code, applies during heat season, from September 15 through June 1. During that period, landlords of residential buildings must provide heat that meets minimum temperatures.

Required Temperatures

For residential buildings with central heat and no central cooling, the City's guidance lists:

• 68 degrees Fahrenheit from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• 66 degrees Fahrenheit from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Buildings With Two-Pipe Heating and Cooling Systems

Some buildings use a single system for both heating and cooling. These buildings follow the same 68 and 66 degree schedule for most of the season, with special provisions:

• From September 15 until the first night the outdoor temperature drops below 45 degrees, or October 15, whichever comes first, 64 degrees is required at all hours.
• From the first day in May when the outdoor temperature exceeds 75 degrees until the end of the season, 64 degrees is required at all hours.

Units With Individual Heating Systems

Where each unit has its own heating equipment, the City's guidance says the equipment must be capable of maintaining 68 degrees under expected Chicago winter conditions. Tenants may be responsible for the gas or electric bills for their own units, depending on the lease.

Which Rooms Must Be Heated

The requirement applies to habitable spaces, meaning rooms used for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, recreation or working, as well as bathrooms and toilet rooms. Closets, hallways, storage areas and utility rooms do not have a minimum temperature under this rule.

How Temperature Is Measured

The City describes measuring temperature:

• 3 feet above the floor.
• At least 3 feet away from exterior walls.
• With windows and exterior doors closed.
• With any non-permanent heating devices turned off.

Tenants documenting a heat problem can use a reliable thermometer and record readings, dates and times following these guidelines.

What Counts as an Acceptable Heat Source

Heat must come from a permanent heating system recognized by the Chicago Mechanical Code, such as radiators, hydronic systems, furnaces or heat pumps. The City states that cooking appliances, water heaters, portable space heaters and fireplaces cannot be counted toward meeting the requirement.

How Tenants Can Report No Heat

1. Notify the landlord or property manager right away, preferably in writing, such as by text or email, and keep a record.
2. Document conditions with temperature readings, dates and times.
3. Call 311 to file a complaint with the City if heat is not restored. The Department of Buildings enforces the ordinance.
4. Call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger.

The Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance also provides tenants with certain remedies when essential services such as heat are not supplied after notice. Tenants considering those remedies should review the ordinance or seek legal advice, because specific procedures apply.

Penalties for Owners

The City lists fines of $500 to $1,000 per day, per violation for landlords and building owners who fail to comply. According to the City, the reason for the lack of heat does not change this. That makes prevention and fast response essential for owners.

Tips for Landlords and Building Owners

Service Equipment Before Heat Season

Schedule professional service for every boiler and furnace before September 15. Annual service catches failing parts, checks safety controls and venting, and reduces the risk of a midwinter breakdown. See our fall checklist and boiler repair page.

Set Controls Correctly

Many multi-unit buildings use boiler controls that respond to outdoor temperature or timers. Make sure settings meet the required day and night temperatures in all units, including the coldest ones on upper floors and corners. Balance steam systems by maintaining vents, and fix air problems in hot water systems so heat reaches every unit. Our guides on boiler troubleshooting and banging steam pipes cover common issues.

Have an Emergency Plan

• Keep the number for an HVAC company that handles emergency calls.
• Give tenants a clear way to report heat problems, including after hours.
• Know where the boiler or furnace switches and gas shutoffs are.
• Keep spare filters for furnaces in each unit.

Plan Replacements Before Failures

If a boiler or furnace is old and unreliable, replace it in the off-season instead of risking a winter failure and daily fines. Our guide on boiler replacement in two-flats and greystones covers options and 2026 rebates.

Keep Records

Keep records of service visits, repairs, tenant communications and response times. Good records help demonstrate diligence and help technicians diagnose recurring problems.

Tips for Tenants

• Report problems promptly and in writing.
• Do not tamper with boiler controls, thermostats you do not control, radiator vents or valves in shared systems.
• Keep radiators and registers clear of furniture and curtains so heat can reach the room.
• Use space heaters safely if you use them, but know that they do not count toward the landlord's requirement. See space heater safety.
• Test your CO and smoke alarms and report any that do not work.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Illinois law requires carbon monoxide alarms within 15 feet of every sleeping room in covered dwelling units. Landlords supply and install them, and tenants test them and replace batteries. See our carbon monoxide safety guide.

What About Cooling?

Chicago also has a cooling ordinance that applies to certain buildings, including residential buildings over 80 feet tall, buildings with more than 100 units and housing for older persons. These buildings must provide cooling in at least a common area, or more for senior housing, when the heat index is high. See our guide on staying safe when the AC is out.

Common Questions From Owners

What If a Part Is on Back Order?

The City's guidance indicates that the reason for a lack of heat does not change an owner's obligations. If repairs will take time, work with your HVAC contractor on temporary solutions, communicate clearly with tenants and document your efforts. Planning replacements for aging equipment before heat season greatly reduces this risk.

Do I Need to Heat Vacant Units?

Even vacant units need enough heat to prevent frozen pipes, which can damage the whole building. Shared heating systems will usually heat vacant units anyway. Make sure radiators or registers in vacant units are not shut off completely during deep cold.

Who Changes Furnace Filters in Rental Units?

That depends on the lease and building arrangement. Clogged filters are a common cause of furnace shutdowns, so make responsibilities clear and provide filters if tenants are expected to change them.

Common Questions From Tenants

My Unit Is Warm Enough in the Day but Cold at Night. Does That Count?

The ordinance sets separate daytime and nighttime minimums. If your unit falls below the nighttime minimum during heat season, document the temperatures and notify your landlord.

Can I Use My Own Space Heater?

You can use a space heater for your own comfort if your lease allows it and you use it safely, but it does not satisfy the landlord's obligation to provide heat.

What If My Unit Is Too Hot?

Overheating is common in older steam buildings. The heat ordinance sets minimums, not maximums. Ask your landlord about vent and control adjustments or thermostatic radiator vents, which can improve comfort for everyone.

Practical Steps for Tenants Documenting a Problem

• Use a reliable thermometer placed according to the City's measurement guidance.
• Record readings at different times of day and night, with dates.
• Take photos showing the thermometer reading and the time.
• Keep copies of texts, emails or letters to the landlord.
• Note the landlord's responses and any repair visits.

Clear records help the City and any other party understand what happened and when.

Communication Tips for Owners

Most heat disputes get worse because of poor communication. When a heating problem occurs, acknowledge the report quickly, tell tenants when service is scheduled, give updates if repairs take longer and confirm when heat is restored. Posting HVAC emergency contact information in a common area and including it in lease materials helps tenants report problems quickly.

Making Older Buildings Easier to Heat

Many Chicago heat complaints come from older buildings with uneven heat, where some units are too hot and others too cold. Investments that help include replacing failed steam vents, adding thermostatic radiator vents or valves, insulating basement steam mains, balancing hot water systems, air sealing and upgrading boiler controls. These improvements make compliance easier, lower fuel bills and improve tenant comfort.

Where to Find the Official Rules

The City of Chicago publishes heat ordinance guidance on its Department of Buildings pages, and the cooling ordinance on its own page. The Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance is published in the Municipal Code. Because rules and enforcement procedures can change, check the City's current information or call 311 for questions about your specific building.

Heating Systems and Compliance Go Together

Ultimately, the best way to comply with the heat ordinance is a well-maintained, correctly controlled heating system with a plan for fast repairs. Owners who invest in preventive maintenance spend less time dealing with emergency calls, tenant complaints and potential fines, and tenants get a warmer, safer home.

Help for Building Owners

If you own a rental building in Chicago and need heating service, emergency repairs or a replacement plan, call (312) 638-0812. We work with owners in neighborhoods including Logan Square, Ukrainian Village and Uptown. Learn about emergency HVAC service.