Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Lawrence, London
17 January 2011

Not so long ago I was a student living in London.  I rented a small flat with a friend that was reasonably close to our college. It was one of the few flats we could afford.

But it was cold and draughty. As a result, it cost a small fortune to heat in winter. Money I could little afford to spend as a hard-up student.

Efforts to stem the draughts with socks and towels were largely in vain.

And our repeated pleas to the landlord to fix the draughts properly with seals fell on deaf ears.

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.