heating requirement in rented flat

[nannieali]

hi can anyone tell me if landlords have to supply a certain type etc of heating?
daughter in a flat in stole above a shop. it only has one covection heater on wall in her sitting room/kitchen and one in her bedroom.
she has to have them on 24hrs aday as flat absolutely freezing!!!!!!! last year she had a huge heating bill and had to pay double this year to pay off what she owed, she pays a ridiculour 148 a month!!!!!!!! she lives on her own and with rent etc is left with pitance to live on.
is there a legal requirement. can she demand better heating put in. we have had to buy her another portables heater that bloes out hot air and oscilates to try and boost heat
nannie ali

[MissFM]

Re: heating requirement in rented flat

Hi Nannieali

I am sorry to say that the answer to your question is no, to the best of my knowledge, unless there is some specific mention in your daughter's rental agreement to the contrary. Sorry.

[PlanB]

Re: heating requirement in rented flat

Why not check if your daughter is on the best tariff from her energy supplier. If she switched to Economy 7 she'd pay so much less for the electricty she uses between 10 pm - 9 am (the time slot may vary) beacause if she's got the heating on 24/7 this could help. See this:

http://www.uswitch.com/gas-electrici...FUbKtAodPjsAOQ

You haven't said whether your daughter is on benefits or a low income but she's obviously struggling so she could check whether she could be on something called a "Social Tariff" which is offered by most of the big energy companies. She may also be entitled to a "Cold Weather Payment" which is a one-off Government cheque to help (it's not just for pensioners!). This information sheet may help:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/englan...fuel_bills.htm

This must be very stressful for her and she'll worry about falling into arrears with her bills. She needn't panic because even if she does most of the big energy suppliers have their own charities which can help. They will pay off arrears if you can prove you're really trying and just can't manage:

Here's an example of one: http://www.edfenergytrust.org.uk/

Gone are the days when they cut you off since they know you'll make a complaint to their regulater ofgem and here is how to do that:

http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/domestic-con...complaint.aspx

It's bitterly cold at the moment so I wish her good luck :snowbal:

[SpringerSpaniel]

Re: heating requirement in rented flat

In most local authorities, there is a section of the Environmental Health dept which can advise private tenants on problems with their accomodation.

[PlanB]

Re: heating requirement in rented flat

In most local authorities, there is a section of the Environmental Health dept which can advise private tenants on problems with their accomodation.

Absolutely. First ask the Landlord to upgrade the heating system. Or if it's an issue with heat loss (badly fitted windows etc) ask the Landlord to fix this problem.

But she can always invite her local Environmental Health Officer to visit the property and give it a 'Health Check'. Then if anything is found to be sub-standard the local council will write to the Landlord and tell him to fix it pronto. If the Landlord fails to deal with it then there is plenty of legislation out there to force him and the council will do this on her behalf. But hopefully that won't be necessary :grin:

Here's how she can find out her legal rights:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_ad...nmental_health

[MissFM]

Re: heating requirement in rented flat

Absolutely. First ask the Landlord to upgrade the heating system. Or if it's an issue with heat loss (badly fitted windows etc) ask the Landlord to fix this problem.

But she can always invite her local Environmental Health Officer to visit the property and give it a 'Health Check'. Then if anything is found to be sub-standard the local council will write to the Landlord and tell him to fix it pronto. If the Landlord fails to deal with it then there is plenty of legislation out there to force him and the council will do this on her behalf. But hopefully that won't be necessary :grin:

Here's how she can find out her legal rights:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_ad...nmental_health

I think that might be the most productive route - believe that private landlords ARE now required to make houses "energy efficient" - Brill PlanB! x

[nannieali]

Re: heating requirement in rented flat

thanks everyone for the advice i will pass it on to her x
nannieali