Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Deborah, Sheffield
17 January 2011

I'm a mature student and single parent living in a rented home. This winter we struggled to stay warm due to our badly insulated house.

This is my last year at university and I have to find money to finish my MA.  But I fear we could be in trouble with the gas and electric charges coming in February - made higher because of living in a badly insulated rented house.

Natasha Khan, Bat for Lashes

"We suffered the worst mould you could imagine in my student house. Over our 2 year let, it got to the point where you'd have to dodge at least 20 slugs living off moisture in the carpet to reach the bathroom - then inhale black mould spores if the steam from the shower got too much. The cold, draughts and dampness were pretty extreme!"

Stop tenants feeling the chill

Stop tenants feeling the chill

Help end dangerously cold homes

Stop tenants feeling the chill

Need some help?

For free advice on paying heating bills and how to save energy, visit Home Heat Helpline  or call 0800 336699.

Find out your legal rights as a tenant at Shelter or call 0808 800 4444.