Im a college student renting In West Chester, Pa. My landlord pays heat for the house we rent. He comes to turn the heat on in the fall. He just came to turn it on and said he's putting it on 62 degrees all winter, and that if were cold we can use the space heaters in the rooms or bathrooms. So of course if we do that our electric will go through the roof. I think this is ridiculous and I've heard most towns have minimum temperature requirements for tenants. Is this true? And if so what should I do?

You can call your local housing agency and see if there is any set minimum. More than likely the landlord already knows the minimum.

62 is not the end of the world. I've kept my house at 62 for the last few winters and I did just fine and I'm in Ohio.

If you have to use the space heaters you will only need them on in the morning when you get up and then turned off. And use the space heater in the bathroom when bathing.

You can wear sweaters inside the house to keep warm, you know.

He did provide the space heaters versus you have to go out and purchase them so technically he is holding up the part of landlord provides heat.

Hello T:

It really depends on your written agreement... In it, if he agreed to pay for utilities, you have a case. If you have no such agreement in writing, you don't.

Let me know what's written, and I'll tell you what to do about it.

excon