Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Earl, Edgeley
17 January 2011

I live in a house in Edgeley which is extremely cold.

The landlord thought that when the old boiler broke down, it would be OK to replace it with a boiler meant for a one-bedroom flat, not a two-bedroom house.

As such our heating bill has increased, we pollute more and we are seriously cold every day of the winter.

It is not unusual for us to need to sit under several thermal blankets, fully clothed with jumpers and thermal socks and base layers with all the doors shut just so we can heat one room enough to stop shivering.

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.