What is the Law on rent with utilities included, and no electric heaters permitted either?
There might be a local law, particularly if you are in a large city. You will have to check with the local health or building department on that. You should document the information. Just keep a log with date, time, and temperature and write it down on a pad or notebook regularly. This may serve as evidence of “uninhabitability” and could be a defense against eviction. Many states have evolved a doctrine through case law, court decisions, requiring that basic human comfort be provided in a residential setting. That would include heat. You might be able to withhold rent until you get sufficient heat, get permission to use electric heaters, or even require your landlord to install better heat. But you should not take action unless you have consulted an attorney. You should also consult with any local tenant’s rights group, and review the articles provided by Nolo Press on their web site and in their many helpful books.
