What is required for the maintenance of heating systems in rental properties?

The maintenance of heating systems in rental properties is essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of tenants. The requirement that heating systems must be inspected and maintained in working order is crucial. This mandate ensures that heating systems function effectively, providing adequate warmth and preventing potential hazards such as carbon monoxide leaks or failures during cold weather.

Regular inspections and maintenance help identify and rectify any issues before they result in significant problems, ensuring that landlords meet their responsibilities for tenant safety and comfort. In addition, keeping heating systems in working order supports compliance with local property maintenance codes, which often stipulate the need for functioning heating capable of maintaining a minimum indoor temperature during cold weather.

The other options do not reflect standard legal or safety requirements for heating systems. Upgrading heating systems every three years is not a common requirement; systems are typically expected to last longer if maintained properly. Operating heating systems only during winter months could leave tenants vulnerable to cold temperatures. Custom-building heating systems according to tenant requests is impractical and not a common practice, as standard systems are designed to meet general safety and functionality standards rather than being tailored to individual requests.