INDIANAPOLIS — When the weather gets this cold, 13News always hears from renters whose heat is out.
Sometimes, their landlord or apartment manager is not getting it fixed quickly or just isn't responding.
So far, the Marion County Public Health Department has received 17 complaints of "no heat" since Saturday. Investigations into the complaints will start on Tuesday.
Amy Nelson, with the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, said it's one of the top calls her team receives during the winter. She said that’s because many times, people don't know who to call.
"Some people may not be aware of their rights to contact the city of public health and inspection type programs,” Nelson said. “So, when people contact us with those types of concerns, we are able to provide them with the information to make that type of contact."
Indiana law says landlords are obligated to have working heating systems that can provide heat at all times.
Steps you can take
If there are problems with your heat as a renter, you must give your landlord notice of the problem and a reasonable time to fix it. It’s recommended you put the date on the notice and keep a copy for yourself.
If the issue is not fixed, you can contact your local board of health or code enforcement office to report the conditions.
Depending on the circumstances, a violation will be issued, and you may be able to file a court case.
Tenants with questions about habitability during extreme cold are urged to visit IndianaLegalHelp.org for free legal guidance.
The Marion County Public Health Department encourages those who don't have a warm place to seek out shelter at a city warming center during those operating hours or stay with family and friends.
The department also warns against the use of space heaters as a primary heat source and to be careful when operating one as a supplement to a heating system.