Does a Rental property have to have a heater?

Question

I just looked at a rental property that does not have a heater!! Apparenty by law the Landlord does not have to provide a heater. Is this correct?

Answer 1

Where is the property?  If the temperatures can go below freezing, they probably must have heat.  So Hawaii and the Florida Keys can probably get away with no heat.

As far as paying for the heat, it varies from state to state, even city to city.  Some places the landlord must provide heat.  Others, there needs to be a heater, but the tenant pays all utilities including fuel (oil, gas, electric) for the heat.

Answer 2

It would depend on the city or town's building & housing codes.

In my city a working heating system is required by law.

Answer 3

Renting out other peoples illegal garage conversions are a bad idea even though they are cheap.

Answer 4

There are no such requirements.  

In this case, if it is in the colder climates, you could always use electric heaters you purchased from wal-mart.  

As long as you are aware there is no heating system, prior to you signing the lease.  It is legal.

Answer 5

I do not understand why you would even consider that place.  Of course there must be a heating system in that and all homes.  My advise is walk away from the place just say ta ta! there are other places I am sure.

Answer 6

In Maine you need a heater, in the Florida Keys, you don't.

Where is it.

Answer 7

Yes. I lived in heaps of places without any heaters. Go buy one for like $10. No issue.

Answer 8

I don't understand why people need to try to coerce such things.

The landlord shows you a property and he tells you the rent.  You look at the property and if it is suitable and the rent acceptable then you rent it.  If not then you have the right not to rent it.

Regardless of the law, isn't that simple and fair enough?

Answer 9

I wouldn't think so.  The operative word here is, "Caveat Emptor," or "Let the Buyer Beware.

Good luck.