Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Michael, London
17 January 2011

When I was a student in County Durham, I had to endure a cold flat in one of the coldest parts of England.

The landlord ran over 100 flats and would not spend a penny on improvements.

Draughts, in particular, cancelled out the benefits of having the heating on full throughout the winter months.

My current rented flat in Hackney, although a little better, is still draughty and poorly insulated.

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.