September 15 marks “heating season” for landlords who are responsible to provide heat for their tenants. A number of municipalities have heating ordinances. Here is a small survey:
In Evanston, landlords providing heat are required to maintain the following temperatures from September 15 to June 1:
6 am to 8 am – 65°F
8 am to 10 pm – 68°F
10 pm to 6 am – 63°F
Temperatures must be taken three feet from an exterior wall and three feet above the floor.
In Oak Park, from September 15 to June 1, the law requires a minimum temperature of sixty eight degrees Fahrenheit (68°F) from six thirty o’clock (6:30) A.M. to eleven o’clock (11:00) P.M. and sixty five degrees Fahrenheit (65°F) from eleven o’clock (11:00) P.M. to six thirty o’clock (6:30) A.M. averaged through any dwelling unit or rooming unit shall be maintained without undue restriction of ventilation as to interfere with proper healthful conditions.
In McHenry, Illinois, Section 11-187 of the McHenry Municipal Code requires landlords responsible for providing heat to keep the temperature at 68°F from September 15 to June 1 for “all habitable rooms, bathrooms, water closet compartments, recreation rooms, laundries and communicating corridors immediately adjacent to a dwelling unit at a distance of 36 inches above the floor level.” For all other places, a minimum temperature of 65°F shall be maintained.
In Cicero, Section 19-37 of the Town of Cicero Code of Ordinances requires landlords providing heat are required to maintain the following temperatures from September 15 to June 1:
6:30 am to 10:30 pm – 68°F
10:30 pm to 6:30 am – 63°F
Of course, as Chicago landlords might expect, Chicago has its own heating ordinance as well. You can read about the Chicago requirements here.