The heat in my building was off for more than 30 days during last February and March.

February and March of which year? Do you have a written lease agreement? Did you furnish landlord with requisite written notice?

Dear Brooklyn Tenant: New York housing law usually limits the damages possible for a breach of the Warranty of Habitability to the rent paid or withheld from the landlord. When a person suffers an injury due to the landlord's breach of the Warranty of Habitability, the tenant must seek the services of an attorney with a specialty in personal injury litigation. The potential damages are far more significant than the rent, alone.