Don't Just Shiver. Call Your Landlord About Heating Breakdowns

High fuel prices mean that many renters are concerned about their heating bills this winter. Those whose rent includes utilities are worried that their landlords will try to push high costs off on them. Those paying directly for their heat are trying to figure how to spend less. Here are some heat-related questions from readers, as well as a few tips on how to remain comfortable while keeping your costs down.

Q Last year, I moved into a great apartment built in the early 1940s. I love it, but I have a problem with the heat. There is a radiator in every room. When I moved in, the knobs were painted shut. Also, one of the knobs is missing. When I called management about it in April, they said they would fix each radiator except for the one with the missing knobs, because it is too old to find a new knob to fit. Recently, the heat completely shut off. I called the management company, and they said they would send someone out, but they haven't after two calls. It is freezing in my apartment, and I am not exaggerating when I say I wake up and see my breath. -- Arlington

AAll apartment residents should be able to call upon their landlord to make sure the heating system is functioning properly. The landlord has jurisdiction over the apartment and all its major parts, including the heater. Because landlords are responsible for their tenants' safety and well-being, their duty is to keep the living environment comfortable and healthy -- and warm enough so you cannot see your breath.

Both you and your unresponsive management company should consider this an emergency now that low temperatures may endanger your health. Because you have already asked the management company to fix the problem, you can file a complaint with your local housing office. That office will send an inspector to investigate the situation, likely by measuring the temperature in your apartment.

In your case in Arlington County, you should contact the Department of Planning, Housing and Development's Code Enforcement Office, 703-228-3260. Other jurisdictions have similar offices that handle calls such as this.

If the landlord has gas included in the lease, can that be changed before the lease is up so that tenants are required to pay their own gas bills? I'm worried about the high prices of gas this year. -- Sterling

Your lease is a binding contract, which means that if you are in the middle of a lease term, your landlord cannot start charging you for heat, no matter how prices soar. When your lease term is up, whether you sign for another fixed-lease term or go month-to-month, however, your landlord will be able to raise your rent or change the lease so that you pay your own gas bill. Landlords can usually alter the lease terms on month-to-month tenants with 30 days notice.

I'm worried about my heating bill this winter. Each year, it seems as if I spend more than I plan to on heat. I wonder if there are some simple ways I can save. I hate to be cold, but I also hate to get my bill each month! -- Vienna

As natural gas prices have sharply increased over the past three years, some renters are seeing a 30 percent to 60 percent increase on their gas bills this year. But there are ways to save without having to wear 13 sweaters and 20 pairs of long johns in a cold apartment. Besides saving money, using less heat is also energy efficient, which means the environment will benefit.

Now, that doesn't mean that wearing an extra sweater or using a blanket is not a good way to lower your bill. It is. Closely woven fabrics retain body heat and can add at least half a degree in warmth.

Le-Ha Anderson, manager for media and community relations for Richmond-based Dominion Virginia Power, said that wearing medium-weight layers as opposed to one thick wool sweater will keep your body warmer because the air between layers serves as insulation to keep in more body heat.

To save energy, whether your heat is electricity, natural gas or oil, Anderson gave a few tips: If you lower your thermostat by 1 degree, you can save up to 3 percent on your overall energy bill. Check windows and doors, put caulking and weatherstripping around any leaks and even tape a piece of clear plastic around your windows to keep out drafty, cold air. When leaks are not properly blocked, heat is going to waste.