Chicago has a heat ordinance which requires landlords to supply heat from September 15 - June 1 and states the temperature inside a rental residence is required to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit from 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM and at least 66 degrees Fahrenheit from 10:30 PM to 8:30 AM.

Landlords face fines of up to $1,000 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.

However, with the increasing of above normal temperatures earlier in the year each year, landlords are put in a tough situation where they either follow the law or do what's best for their residents and risk the fines.

So far, this year, three residents have passed away because the apartment they were living in was too hot and was following the ordinance.

The City of Chicago needs to take action now and change this ordinance. Either the dates need to be changed, or language needs to be added that allows landlords to opt out of the heat ordinance when the outside temperature is at or above 70 degrees. 

By changing this ordinance, landlords will be able to provide comfortable living situations and people will not risk dying from heart attacks, strokes, and other forms of cardiovascular disease that excessive heat can cause.