Apartment buildings, supers, neighbors and trash rules

Newcomers often notice that:

• Many buildings have a "super" (superintendent or janitor) who handles repairs and day-to-day problems, and the building posts their contact details.
• Tenants call 311 for problems the landlord does not fix, such as no heat or hot water, and for many other City services.
• Heat is supplied by the building owner in apartment buildings, and the law sets minimum indoor temperatures during heat season.
• Trash, recycling and food scraps are set out on the curb on collection days, following City rules about bins and times.

New York City sets clear rules that shape daily life in apartment buildings:

• Heat season runs from 1 October to 31 May. When it is below 55°F outside, apartments must be at least 68°F between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.; at night the minimum is 62°F. Hot water at 120°F is required all year. Tell the landlord or super first, then call 311.
• You can report to 311 when a building's janitor or super is not available or the emergency contact is not posted.
• Composting is mandatory for all residents: food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard waste must be kept out of the trash, in a bin of 55 gallons or less with a secure lid. Buildings with four or more units must provide a labeled compost storage area.
• Trash set-out: homes and buildings with up to 9 units must use official NYC Bins for trash (since 1 June 2026) and may put them out after 6 p.m.; larger buildings may use bins with lids after 6 p.m. or put bags on the curb after 8 p.m. Everything must be out by midnight. Owners can be fined for violations.

Arrangements differ a lot between a small house with two or three apartments and a large building with staff. Some buildings have a doorperson, a laundry room or a live-in super; others have none. Ask your landlord how trash and recycling work in your building and who to call for repairs at night or on weekends.