How Does the Heat Sensor Program Prevent Apartment Fires in the Bronx?

Each landlord in the Bronx is legally required to provide their tenants with safe, relatively warm environments. If they fail in this regard, tenants tend to use their own space heaters to regulate temperatures and avoid sickness. The issue is that these heaters tend to malfunction, often causing fatal fires in the Bronx. Some argue that if a landlord fails to provide adequate heat to a tenant, they become liable for fire-related injuries caused by space heaters. If the landlord had simply provided enough heat, the tenant never would have been forced to use the space heater. These concerns have led to something called the “Heat Sensor Program” in New York.

The Heat Sensor Program Explained 

The Heat Sensor Program is designed to keep landlords accountable. Specifically, it targets apartment buildings and tenants with “chronic heat complaints” and ensures that these individuals are living in safe, warm environments. If a building is selected for mandatory participation in the Heat Sensor Program, the landlord must allow the City to install heat sensors in living areas.

The heat sensor is typically installed in a room of the tenant’s choosing. This sensor then monitors heat levels in the unit and provides automatic heat data to City regulators. If heat levels fall too low during Winter months, the landlord faces consequences.

At face value, the Heat Sensor Program keeps vulnerable tenants warm while punishing landlords who fail in their legal duties. On a deeper level, however, the Heat Sensor Program may also help prevent fires. When landlords are held accountable, they are more likely to keep their premises warm. As a result, tenants are less likely to use space heaters in their units.

Space Heaters Continue to Cause Serious Fires in New York 

According to The City, a recent apartment fire in the Bronx is linked to a landlord who pushed back when asked to install heat sensors. He failed his legal battle and was presumably ordered to install the sensors anyway. However, the apartment still burned to the ground – with displaced tenants claiming the blaze was caused by space heaters and stoves.

This fire reportedly displaced over 80 families in the middle of winter. Seven people were also injured, but the consequences could have been much worse. In 2022, a fire broke out in a Twin Parks apartment building, killing 17 tenants and injuring many others. Authorities eventually determined that the fire was started by a faulty space heater, and that the landlord had failed to provide adequate heating.

The fact that space heater fires continue to occur speaks volumes about the government’s failure to address the core issues. Although sensors punish landlords for not providing enough to eat, they do not stop the fires themselves. Another piece of questionable legislation banned the sale of space heaters – completely overlooking the core cause of these fires: Landlords.

Key Takeaways 

• Tenants often use space heaters because their landlords are not providing enough heat
• Space heaters have caused several fatal Bronx fires in the last few years
• The Heat Sensor Program in New York requires automatic temperature reporting

Can a Bronx Premises Liability Lawyer Help After Fire Injuries Caused by Landlords? 

A premises liability lawyer in the Bronx may be able to help if you suspect your fire-related injuries were caused by your landlord. The use of space heaters due to insufficient heat in apartment buildings is a controversial issue in New York. Landlords can contribute to fires in many ways, so contact Cohan Law, PLLC to learn more about your potential legal options.

Sources: 

thecity.nyc/newsletter/landlord-of-burned-building-sued-to-stop-heat-monitoring/

peoplesdispatch.org/2025/01/10/negligent-landlords-strike-again-in-the-bronx-apartment-fire-displaces-over-200/