Newark residents left without heat during frigid temperatures

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- The City of Newark has received 200-250 no heat calls since Tuesday and they're anticipating this number to rise as temps outside continue to plummet.

Thursday, Eyewitness News tagged along with a code enforcement crew as they inspected cold properties around the city, and what they discovered will literally give you chills.

Melonie Redmond and her 4-year-old son have been without sufficient heat since November.

Wrapped in blankets and wearing layers she's repeatedly complained to her landlord, but nothing changes.

"I've been using the electrical fire and I have another little heater in the oven," Redmond said.

Beyond frustrated, Redmond recently reached out to Newark's no heat hotline and this team of code enforcement officers were dispatched to her home.

While there they noted several rooms below the required temperature of 68 degrees between the hours of 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

"Typically it's just that landlords are not maintaining their heating systems properly," said Phillip Scott, Newark Director of Engineering.

"Sometimes I have to crank the oven to 500 just to make sure it heats up most of the house," Redmond said.

From two family homes to entire apartment complexes, no heat issues have no boundaries.

Maritza Marcano and her three kids have been freezing inside a unit on Schley St. for several months, and despite multiple attempts she hasn't been able to get in touch with a property manager.

"You can never get anyone directly on the phone," Marcano said. "I've sent them letters through the post office, I've sent them email."

With the help of space heaters and her oven she's been getting by, but is now more hopeful things will improve with code enforcement holding the building's owners accountable.

Newark's no heat hotline is available 24 hours, and if a landlord is found in violation of maintaining the standard temperature, code enforcement officers will issue them a citation.