The Virginia Property Maintenance Code (VPMC) has minimum indoor heating requirements. Here is a summary of what the VPMC requires.

• Living in apartments or leased residential condominiums:
  • Heat must be provided and able to keep a minimum temperature of 68°F in rooms like bedrooms and living rooms, from October 15th to May 1st.
  • If the outside temperature drops below 17°F, a heating system operating without noticeable mechanical defects is compliant, even if the system is not able to keep a minimum of 68°F.
• Working indoors such as in office buildings:
  • Must be heated to at least 65°F from October 1st to April 15th, except for processing, storage, and operation areas that require cooling or special temperature conditions.
• Space heaters can’t be the only source of heat. Before using space heaters, please obtain safety information by visiting FairfaxCounty.gov and searching “space heaters.”
• If you are concerned about potential violations:
  • First, always ask your landlord or property management to address the issue.
  • If unresolved, please contact the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) – information below.

DCC is here to help – if you have questions, want to make a report, or if you are the subject of enforcement and need to contact us. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach us via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711), or visit us in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035.