Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Fran, Sheffield
17 January 2011

My son lives in a rented house which is poorly insulated and cold. There is nothing he can do to make the house warmer and the landlord doesn't want to bother - why should he?

He doesn't have to live there and there are no incentives to help or encourage him to improve the insulation of the house.

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!"

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.