WASHINGTON — Winter may not officially start until Dec. 22, but it's already cold in the D.C. area. And as temperatures drop outside, you don't want them dropping inside too.

Renters may not have total control over their heating, but there are laws in place to protect them. Here's what your local jurisdiction requires of landlords.

D.C.

Between Oct. 1 and May 1, all housing providers must keep habitable rooms and restrooms room temperature during the day and slightly cooler at night, according to the Office of the Attorney General.

That's minimum 68 degrees between 6:30 a.m. and 11 p.m., and minimum 65 degrees between 11 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

If a landlord fails to maintain these temperatures, tenants can send evidence to the Office of the Attorney General.

Montgomery County, Maryland

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