Doorcount

No heat in a rental: what to do first

Safe checks for tenants and next steps for owners when the heat goes out.

Published October 18, 2026 · Doorcount

Emergency? Call 911 or the utility first. If there is a gas smell, fire, smoke, electrical sparking or flooding, get everyone to safety and call 911 or the gas or electric utility's emergency line before anything else. Then contact the landlord.

Why no heat moves to the top of the list

When it is cold outside, a heating failure affects health and the building itself: pipes can freeze and burst. Many states and cities set a minimum indoor temperature and a deadline for restoring heat. The rules differ, so check the code where your rental is and treat cold-weather heat calls as urgent.

Quick checks the tenant can do safely

  1. Thermostat set to heat, and set a few degrees above the room temperature.
  2. Fresh thermostat batteries, if it uses them.
  3. The furnace or air handler power switch is on (it often looks like a light switch near the unit).
  4. No tripped breaker for the furnace or heat pump.
  5. The furnace filter is not badly clogged, if the tenant normally changes it.

The tenant should not open the furnace, relight a pilot or work on gas parts. Any gas smell means leave and call 911 or the gas utility from outside.

What to do as the owner

  • Send a licensed HVAC technician, and tell the tenant when to expect them.
  • If the repair will take time in cold weather, arrange safe temporary heat or another place to stay, as your local rules require.
  • Ask the tenant to let faucets drip and open cabinet doors under sinks during a freeze to help protect pipes.
  • Keep a record of the report, your response times and the repair.
  • Schedule yearly heating maintenance before the cold season, and make sure carbon monoxide alarms work in units with fuel-burning appliances.

Space heaters

Temporary heaters can bridge the gap, but they are a fire risk. Choose units with tip-over and overheat shut-off, keep them clear of anything that can burn, plug them straight into a wall outlet, and never leave them running unattended.

Doorcount Repair Desk gives tenants one link for repair requests. Every form starts with the emergency notice, then it sorts urgent problems from what can wait and drafts your replies. Free plan for one small rental.

Try the tenant form →How Repair Desk works

Quick answers

Is no heat in a rental an emergency?

In cold weather it can be. Many states and cities set minimum indoor temperatures and repair deadlines for heat, and no heat can lead to frozen pipes and health risks. Check your local code for the exact rules where your rental is.

What should a tenant check before reporting no heat?

That the thermostat is set to heat and above room temperature, its batteries work, the furnace power switch is on, and no breaker has tripped. If there is a gas smell, leave and call 911 or the gas utility first.

Should a landlord give tenants space heaters?

Temporary heat can help while a repair is arranged, but space heaters carry fire risk. If you provide one, choose a unit with tip-over and overheat shut-off, and share basic safety rules. Fixing the heating system remains the goal.

Related guides

Is a water heater leak an emergency? A landlord triage guideTenant smells gas? What landlords should tell them

Please note: This page is general information for rental owners, not legal advice, and it does not replace a licensed plumber, HVAC technician, electrician, the gas utility or emergency services. Rules on repairs, heat and notice periods vary by state and city; check your local code and your lease. Repair Desk organizes maintenance requests and suggests a priority. It does not inspect properties, contact anyone for you or replace emergency services.