If the landlord fails to provide reasonably habitable premises--such as no heat when its 20 degrees out--the landlord is responsible for the costs tenants thereby incur, such as the cost of heaters, of electricity or fuel for heaters, or even reasonable motel charges, if the tenants had to move out for a time.The problem is, there is no really good way to vindicate your right to compensation: you can sue the landlord for the money; or you can withhold part of your rent, but the landlord will likely then bring an eviction proceeding against you and you'll have to defend against it in court (and prove to the judge that your withholding was justified by the facts). In short, if the landlord does not voluntarily compensate you, in one way or another, you will end up in court if you want to see reimbursement.