As bitter cold temperatures grip the region, officials from the New York City Housing Preservation and Development are advising renters to file complaints against landlords who do not comply with the city's heat guidelines.

They say heat and hot water are required to be provided for all tenants, depending on lease agreements.

However, property owners are required to provide hot water 365 days per year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, according to officials.

They say between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., if the temperature outside falls below 40 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

They urge anyone who believes their landlord is not following the guidelines to file a complaint on their website.