An electric space heater is a portable device you plug into an electrical outlet to warm a room. In New York City, it is illegal to sell electric space heaters without required safety features or disclosures on the package. 

To prevent fires, electric space heaters must:

  • Have a thermostat to control the temperature
  • Have an automatic shutoff if the heater tips over or overheats
  • Be listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or other approved organization

Information about these safety features must be on the package.

You can file a complaint about a person or business that sells electric space heaters that do not meet these legal requirements.

By Email

Email your complaint to consumers@dcwp.nyc.gov. Please be as specific as possible about the problem.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to report the problem.

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection does not accept reports of rude employee behavior. You should report this type of complaint to the business.

For reports of discrimination, go to the Discrimination page.

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection can help you with complaints about businesses in New York City. For complaints about businesses elsewhere, contact the local Consumer Affairs office or the State Attorney General's office.

Online

Learn how to file a complaint for a business outside of NYC.

By Phone

  • Agency: Nassau County Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (516) 571-2600
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: Suffolk County Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (631) 853-4600
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection
  • Phone Number: (914) 995-2155
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (973) 504-6200
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

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