Heating Season Changed for 2026

2026 Heat Requirement No Longer in Effect

As of May 18th, 2026, the MA Housing Code Temperature Requirement that rental property owners or managers maintain a minimum temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit is no longer in effect for this year until September 30, 2026, unless otherwise altered. With this determination, the date on which the property owner or manager must provide heat will be amended from May 31st, 2026 to May 18, 2026.

Within the City of Cambridge, Board of Health authority is held by the appointed Commissioner of Public Health. Under authority granted to local public health authorities under 105 CMR 410,180 (MA Housing Code Temperature Requirements) a determination to alter the heating season, as defined in 105 CMR 410.180(A), by ending it no earlier than May 15th or delaying the start date no later than September 30th in a particular year for all residences within its jurisdiction, is allowed by posting notice of such alteration on the municipality's website.

This adjustment of the enforcement dates upon which the heating requirement is no longer in effect will apply for this year only and will require a subsequent determination henceforth.

Please send any questions about this announcement to the Cambridge Public Health Department at: [email protected] or 617-665-3800.