New Law: Save on rent, cut the heat

We're at the time of year where people begin to dread the next six months, not because of the cold, but because of the cost of fighting off the cold.

There's no way around it, heating costs can be a beast for homeowners and renters alike.

But for the renters, there may be a little bit of relief. A new state law was quietly passed this spring that allows for tenants to potentially lower their rent by lowering the thermostat.

Under the new law renters can reach an agreement with their landlord to keep the heat under 68 degrees, but no lower than 62 degrees. While there are no stipulations on the rent reduction, the law says the agreement must be separate from the lease and can be revoked by the landlord or renter at any time. (Like if the temperatures dip and you run out of extra sweaters.)

The new law does not make the heat/rent reductions mandatory, but optional if the tenant and landlord agree. The only stipulation is that none of the tenants can be younger than 5 or older than 65.

TALK BACK: Hey renters, have you heard of the new law? Would you do it? Will it actually work to save money for landlords and tenants?