With extremely cold temperatures forecasted for Chicago this week, the City is reminding landlords and tenants to be aware of the requirements of the Chicago Heat Ordinance. In addition, residents are strongly encouraged to take extra precaution if using space heaters, never rely on ovens for heat, and to make certain they have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. The Chicago Department of Buildings enforces the Chicago Heat Ordinance. The Heat Ordinance mandates that during cold weather months’ landlords supply heat to rental units or to any unit where owners do not have individual control of the heat. From September 15 through June 1, the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be 68 degrees from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and 66 degrees from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Landlords face fines of up to $500 per day, per violation, for each day they do not supply adequate heat.  The reason for lack of heat does not matter – landlords must follow the law, and apartments must be heated. The Department of Buildings encourages residents to first contact their landlords when they have no heat or inadequate heat and to call 3-1-1 if no action is being taken.