No Heat in Your Pittsburgh Rental: What Can I Do?
Under Pennsylvania law, your landlord must keep your home fit to live in, and that includes heat in winter. Pittsburgh and Allegheny County set a heating season from October 1 through May 31. County rules also set a minimum indoor temperature. You can report no heat to Pittsburgh's 311 line (the city's service line). For the full state rules, see the Pennsylvania heat guide.
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If your landlord agreed to provide heat, Pittsburgh's property maintenance code says they must supply it from October 1 through May 31. The Allegheny County Health Department defines the heating season with the same dates. Under county rules, every home occupied in this season must have safe heating in good working condition. It must be able to safely heat every room people live in, every bathroom, and the hallways inside the home.
City of Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances § 1004.02 (amending IPMC § 602.3) International Code Council IPMC 2021 § 602.3 (adopted by Pittsburgh Code § 1004.01) Allegheny County Health Department Article VI § 604 (Definitions)✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
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During heating season, Allegheny County Health Department rules set a minimum indoor temperature for homes. If it is 10°F or warmer outside, your home must be at least 68°F, wherever the thermostat is. If it is colder than 10°F outside, your home must never be below 61°F. Your landlord is responsible for this, unless you agreed in writing to supply the heating devices.
✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
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Tell your landlord the heat is not working, and put it in writing. A text, email, or letter all work. Keep a copy in case you need it later. Your landlord gets a reasonable time to fix it. A broken furnace must be fixed faster in January than in July.
✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
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If your landlord does not fix the heat, report it to Pittsburgh's 311 Response Center. Call 311, or 412-255-2621 outside the city, or file the complaint online. Pittsburgh's Department of Permits, Licenses and Inspections (PLI) enforces the city's property maintenance code. 311 forwards your complaint to PLI code enforcement inspectors or the department in charge. Requests to 311 are anonymous, and each request prompts an inspection. One caution from legal aid: for very bad conditions, an inspector can condemn the home and make everyone leave.
✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
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If you can afford it, you can pay a private home inspector to check the problems. This can be expensive. Their written report and photos can help show the conditions in court. A private inspector only documents the problems for you. To find one near you, search for "home inspector" or "rental inspection" with your city's name.
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Your landlord cannot shut off your heat, even if you are behind on rent. This is true even when utilities are included in your rent. If your landlord shuts off your heat or threatens to, this can be an illegal eviction. Call a lawyer or legal aid right away.
✓ Sources checked September 24, 2026
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LIHEAP, the Low-Income Energy Home Assistance Program, can make cash payments to your utility company. The Dollar Energy Fund also gives grants to families who qualify, to help pay utility bills.
✓ Sources checked September 23, 2026
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