Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Alison, London
17 January 2011

I've been so cold at times in my rented flat in Finsbury Park. The situation improved recently after we got a new boiler but last year it was much worse.

We had a boiler the estate agency plumber said was for a two-bedroom flat - but we live in a four-bedroom maisonette over three floors.

Last winter I had to wear a hat, gloves, two scarves and lots of heavy jumpers to sit in my house.

Even though the new boiler has helped, we still have no insulation and you can often feel the wind in the house.

I think it is terrible that landlords are able to let freezing homes and charge huge amounts for them. Also, the environmental impact of heating an inefficient home is horribly wasteful. 

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.