The sun sets earlier and we get fewer hours of daylight. And finally, now that a cold front has arrived, we could potentially see cooler fall weather in Texas.
And while some may be cool with a nice sweater or a cozy blanket, some residents are already turning the dial on their thermostat.
But if you stay in a multi-unit property and don’t have separate heating for each unit, you may be at the mercy of the landlord or owner.
More: NOAA’s Winter Forecast Maps 2024-2025: What Does La Niña Mean for Texas?
When should the heat be turned on in Texas?
Some states require landlords to turn on the heat as early as October 1st. However, Texas does not have a state-wide law that dictates when heating must be provided, or even requires landlords to provide heating or cooling systems at all.
That said, a landlord’s lease or local ordinances may impose obligations to protect tenants from extreme temperatures. For example, in Dallas, landlords must maintain heating systems that can keep the room at a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, while Arlington mandates a minimum of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
But if extreme temperatures create a safety hazard in a rental property, local laws may require landlords to provide and maintain functional climate control systems, even if air conditioning or heating is not specifically mentioned in the lease, according to the Texas State Law Library. .
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Is heating required in Texas schools?
There are no specific temperature requirements for thermostats in Texas schools, although general guidelines recommend enforcing them at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit indoors.
Texas schools may also limit recess or outdoor sports activities when temperatures, including wind chill, drop to 40 Fahrenheit or lower to ensure student safety during colder conditions.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Should Texas landlords turn on the heat? What the law says
