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“HPD Key to the Heating System” notice, tied to HMC § 27-2033

Understanding the HPD “Key to the Heating System” Sign

The Legal Requirement

New York City’s Housing Maintenance Code requires building owners to ensure that inspectors and emergency personnel have ready access to the boiler room and heating system. Under Housing Maintenance Code §27-2033, if the boiler room is locked, a key must be kept on the premises with a responsible person designated by the owner. This rule guarantees that the heating system can always be reached for inspection, enforcement, and emergency repairs.

Posting Obligations

To make this access practical, the law requires owners to post a clear notice identifying who holds the key and where it can be found. This notice must be displayed in two specific locations: one conspicuously in the building lobby and another directly on the boiler-room door. The posted information ensures that inspectors, superintendents, and emergency responders know exactly where to obtain the key without delays.

Design and Format of the Sign

While the law emphasizes content rather than design, industry practice has standardized the format into durable aluminum placards—often 7 inches by 8.5 inches, with a white background and bold, legible text. The sign typically includes blank spaces to write the name of the designated person and the location of the key. Owners or managers must keep this information current, updating the sign immediately whenever the responsible person or key location changes.

Importance of Compliance

The purpose of the HPD “Key to the Heating System” sign goes beyond avoiding violations. By ensuring inspectors and emergency personnel can quickly reach the heating system, the sign helps protect residents from being left without essential heat or hot water during the winter season. Failing to comply with the posting requirement can result in housing code violations, penalties, and delays in resolving heating complaints, which can seriously affect tenant safety and comfort.

Best Practices for Building Owners

To remain compliant and inspection-ready, building owners should mount one sign in the main entry or lobby area and one directly on the boiler-room entrance. Use permanent lettering for the name and key location, such as “Key with Superintendent, Apt. 1A” or “Key kept at Front Desk.” Choose rust-proof, tamper-resistant materials and hardware to withstand building conditions. Finally, create a simple internal procedure to update the sign whenever staff changes occur, ensuring the notice is always accurate and compliant.

NYC Housing Maintenance Code §27-2033 – Access to boiler room

“The owner of every multiple dwelling shall provide ready access to the boiler room. Where the door to the boiler room is locked, the owner shall provide a key to such door to the janitor, housekeeper, or other responsible person who resides in the building and who has been designated by the owner to provide access to the boiler room. A notice stating the name and location of the person who has such key shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the building and on the entrance door of the boiler room.”

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