Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Norma, Stoke-on-Trent
14 January 2011

My flat is very cold and very expensive to heat as it is all electric. There is no heating in the icy cold bathroom and water pipes that run along the lift shaft mean the hot water simply isn't hot for long.

The situation was made worse a few years ago when the landlord replaced very efficient hardwood window frames with cheap plastic ones. I immediately lost about eight inches of insulation around the windows and I have never been able to get my flat warm since.

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.