MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With an early start to a frigid winter, city of Milwaukee officials say hundreds of families have been left without insufficient or no heat.

“You pay your rent, you have a livable space,” said Milwaukee Fire Department Chief Aaron Lipski.

That’s what most people assume when they sign a lease – but in the city of Milwaukee, heating problems are on the rise inside many buildings.

“These are human beings in these building,” said Lipski.

According to the Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS), from Nov. 11 to Dec. 19, more than 300 cases have been opened for living spaces without enough heat. More than 200 of those cases are apartment complexes.

“Seeing and knowing there’s people out there that have been waiting more than 10 days to have things repaired – that’s unacceptable,” said DNS Commissioner Jezamil Arroyo-Vega.

In 2024, 875 complaints were made for the entire winter. Officials say the early cold in November along with a lack of maintenance caused many water pipes and furnaces to give out.

“While the numbers are similar to 2024, the big difference is 2025 early cold put an immediate strain on many heating systems,” said Arroyo-Vega.

While space heaters can act as temporary relief, residents are encouraged to be cautious. Don’t leave the space heater running for long periods of time and keep it away from flammable objects.

DNS says if your heart is at 67° call your property owner. If nothing is repaired within 48 hours, reach out to the DNS.

“A lot of tenants get quiet because they think that there’s gonna be a retaliation,” said Arroyo-Vega.

Local officials say every individual deserves a safe and warm winter.

“Look, the bottom line is this – I want everybody in Milwaukee to be safe,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.