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How to file — Essential services demand (heat / hot water / elevator)

Landlord (demand to restore) → NYC HPD + NYS HCR (rent reduction if stabilized)

Deadline

Send demand immediately; file 311 same day services are interrupted

NYC Admin Code §§ 27-2009 (heat/hot water), 27-2029 (essential services). 9 NYCRR § 2523.4 (rent reduction). NYC Admin Code § 27-2115 (HP action).

How to submit

MAIL

Demand to landlord by certified mail

PHONE

311 — file an HPD complaint

Phone: 311

Heat: same-night/next-day inspection during heat season (Oct 1 – May 31).

MAIL

NYS HCR — Form RA-81 (Reduction of Rent for Decreased Service) — stabilized tenants

NYS Homes and Community Renewal
Office of Rent Administration
92-31 Union Hall Street, 6th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11433

Stabilized tenants can obtain a rent reduction order until services are restored.

IN-PERSON

NYC Housing Court — HP Action for restoration of services

What to attach

Photos / videos of the interruption (no heat reading on thermometer; cold water from "hot" tap; out-of-service elevator)
Daily log of dates and durations of the interruption
311 complaint numbers
Receipts for emergency expenses (space heater, hotel, takeout when stove down)

Pro tips

Keep a temperature log. Place a thermometer in the middle of the room (not near windows or radiators) and photograph the reading with a date-time stamp.
Stabilized tenants: file RA-81 promptly — the rent reduction order continues until services are fully restored.
HP action in Housing Court is fast: judge can order restoration within days. No filing fee for indigent tenants (CPLR § 1101 fee waiver).
Heat hotline (311) is the most-used; logs become the evidence record.

311 path: 311 → "Heat / Hot Water" or "Elevator" or "No Water"

Citations the letter relies on

NYC Admin Code § 27-2029 — NYC Administrative Code § 27-2029 (Heat, hot water, and other essential services)
9 NYCRR § 2523.4 — 9 NYCRR § 2523.4 (Rent reduction for failure to maintain services — stabilized tenants)
NYC Admin Code § 27-2115 — NYC Administrative Code § 27-2115 (HP Action — Tenant action in Housing Court for services)
NYC Admin Code § 27-2115(o) — NYC Administrative Code § 27-2115(o) (Class C immediately hazardous penalties — escalating)

Tenant Defender is research and self-help. Not legal advice. For complex eviction or harassment cases, contact a NY tenant attorney or Met Council on Housing (311 → tenant rights).