Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Catherine, Hertford
17 January 2011

Some years ago, my rented flat froze to the extent we could no longer use the toilet and had to wash at a friend's house down the road.

I can remember the frozen toothbrush bristles. In this case my landlord, who lived below us, got his comeuppance when our pipes burst.

My daughter lived in wet, leaky, mouldy rented accommodation in Oxford last year. The landlord dealt with emergencies but there appeared to be no ongoing maintenance, insulation or effective heating.

The rent was astronomical.

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.