Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Janine, Bath
17 January 2011

In Bath in particular, with so many old buildings, keeping warm at home can be a real issue. Large windows which can't be double glazed, high ceilings and poor heating systems - often electric night storage as opposed to gas - are what many people suffer in city centre rented homes.

I know, as I was one of them.

Although the historic houses of Bath can be difficult to treat, there is still lots that could be done by landlords to improve their insulation and the effectiveness of heating for tenants.

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.