Faster, stronger action needed on cold homes

Sheila, London
17 January 2011

When I first came to this country we stayed in a hotel where the rooms were heated with a bar fire after a shilling was inserted.

I had never been so cold indoors. 

I remember cooking and burning my coat on one side while the other side of me was shivering.

Many people still live in these conditions. 

It is not just the individual suffering I worry about - but also the incredible waste of energy for very little resulting warmth.

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.