Rights renters need to know this winter

With colder temperatures coming to Mid-Missouri, Columbia officials make it clear that tenants know their rights when it comes to their heating systems functioning properly.

Neighborhood services manager Leigh Kottwitz with the city of Columbia said all rental properties are required to be registered and inspected by a city staff member. She points out specific codes that protect tenants.

One code in particular the Columbia Development Department highlights is the International Property Maintenance Code (602.3 Heat Supply).

Under the 602.3 Heat Supply code, residence should be aware of their heat functioning at least 65 degrees between Sept. 1 and June 1.

In the event of your heater stops working, Kottwitz advises that property managers, landlords or owners have been generally good about working out repairs with residents.

Kottwitz said over the years out of the 150 tenant complaints that they have received, most are resolved voluntarily without anyone having to pursue any legal action.