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

Kristie, Pinner
17 January 2011

I rent a one-bedroom flat on my own. My heating bills in the winter are 12 per cent of my monthly income, and this only heats my living room.

In the winter, I use two duvets and a blanket as well as lots of clothes and hot water bottles to keep me warm in bed.

Having a bath is difficult. My body is so cold when I get in the water burns my feet, but then cools so quickly that having a soak is impossible.

Horrible black mould grows throughout my flat which no amount of scrubbing will remove!

I've told my landlord about this and asked for a better heating system, but he said it's too expensive.

Really, the problem is the lack of insulation in the walls and roof.

I'm trapped in this situation because I can't afford to save the deposit I would need to move to another place.

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.