Faster, stronger action on cold rented homes is needed in Energy Bill

Cari, Cardiff
4 February 2011

My rented house is cold.  We sometimes sit in three jumpers, two blankets and the heating on full blast and still we're cold.  Unfortunately, some landlords don't take into account the discomfort their rented houses can cause their tenants.

We had a rodent problem in October - and an inspection revealed there was virtually no insulation in our attic.  The inspector said we were destined to have a cold winter if the landlord didn't address the problem.

I informed the estate agents, who informed the landlord.  But we've seen no action upon this front. 

This is making our heating bills very expensive, but my primary concern is how damaging it is to the environment.  The snow melted off our roof sooner than all the houses around us.

I'm very conscious about environmental issues.  I don't own a car, I shop locally and try to avoid flying when possible.  So it's quite disheartening that my home seems to be unravelling all the good work I'm trying to do. 

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.