Landlord Pays for Gas & Electric, but Forced to use Electric Heaters. Is this Legal??

[vegas1984]

I am currently renting a studio unit in central Mass where the lease states my landlords are responsible for gas heating and electricity, however, I do not have a thermostat to control and my unit is typically between 56-61 degrees, and landlords were aware from day one, offering me an electric portable heater. Feb 9th, I came home to 48 degrees and a very icy carpet. Today my landlords informed me that they ordered electric baseboard heaters and explained that the lack of heat is because my unit only has a single gas heater in the bedroom, whereas the other units have several. I know the law states a certain temperature to be maintained during the winter months, but is it legal to have me rely on electric heaters if the electricity is covered? I'm worried about a power outage due to winter storms or blown fuse, which has happened recently.

This has been a nightmare and huge waste of money. I would like to know if the heating situation is legal or not before I call the board of health or continue to pay rent if it's too cold to sleep there.

[Disagreeable]

Re: Landlord Pays for Gas & Electric, but Forced to use Electric Heaters. Is this Leg

Unless local regs specify temperature control unit must be in apt, electric heaters are fine. Even if you did have a grievance, installation of baseboard heating will solve that before you incur any right to break your lease.