I had to live in a bedsit in winter when I first moved out of my parents' home. It was draughty, damp and almost impossible to get warm with the little paraffin heater provided by the landlord.
"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!"
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.
Copyright © Friends of the Earth Trust/Limited
Friends of the Earth Limited. Reg. No.1012357. Friends of the Earth Trust Limited. Reg. No.1533942. Charity No.281681.
Both incorporated in England and Wales. Both registered office: 26-28 Underwood Street, London, N1 7JQ.
