The GOG. Homeowner is asking all the right questions. I successfully sued my landlord (my local state assemblymans office provided legal support and representation in landlord tenant court) for a rent reduction due to a broken radiator (ie, no heat).
Yes. Landlord is responsible for heat, responsibilities depend on the dwelling. Yes you are entitled so some reduction, but it really depends on the situation. For starters, you must notify the landlord of the problem. Document this notification. Send it certified mail if necessary. If you dont notify the landlord, how do you expect him/her to take action! In NYC, call 311 who will put you in touch with the hotline where you can report all (no) heat related problems and they will also log your complaint and notify landlord. Get legal advice before doing anything else. May I suggest that if you choose to withold rent, you take the money and place it in an account that is separate from your regular account so if there is a court case and a judgment and you witheld too much, you will have easy access to the money. If you dont, you better be disciplined not to spend it.