Rented flat, central heating

Boxlord

Hello, all (and apologies if this is in the wrong place / an over-asked question).

I live in a rented ground floor flat (private landlords through an estate agents) that has no central heating and no boiler; I have an old electric immersion heater.

I've been looking through some of the threads / Google-searched websites about free / discount central heating installation but they're all a bit vague, especially as regards people who do not claim any benefits.

The flat is cold as a witch's proverbial, which doesn't really bother me - but it means that there is condensation all the time, things don't dry (or stay dry), and there's a mould issue. Running electric heaters would cost a fortune and though I do have a Calor gas fire I can't heat all of the rooms all of the time. I'm sure the walls could be better insulated too (if they are at all).

Even though the rent is higher than it would be if I moved elsewhere I don't want to have to do that, or really have the means (at least not at the moment). Does anybody here in similar situations have experience of dealing with the 'free' schemes?

Thanks.

CashStrapped

Unfortunately, without sounding mean, the issues surrounding the lack of up to date/adequate heating is something you should have flagged before signing a contract or taking on the property. Have you signed a contract?

If this is the first flat you have rented, it is something to remember for next time.

Furthermore, for any major changes to the heating system or even cavity wall insulation etc. must be done with the landlord’s permission; not that you would want to pay for anything yourself anyway. There are only a limited amount of things you can change without informing the landlord, such as changing to a water meter or changing the energy supplier etc. Your landlord may be happy to consider free updates but do not expect them to be receptive to anything that costs.

I sympathise with your position as properties with unsuitable heating provision should not be let-able in my opinion. The unfortunate condition of certain private lets (especially in London) is disgusting. They rely on a section of the public who are willing to accept poor conditions due to necessity and affordability and there are limited regulations to stop them.

System

I feel so sorry for you, we not even in winter properly so god knows how cold it will get in your flat.

For helping with condensation i would fling the Calor Gas Fire they are the worst for making things wet, i would stick with electric heaters, In my opinion they are better than Calor.

Good luck

lstar337

Maybe think about a dehumidifier if you are not going to add much extra heat. It'll sort your condensation problem and add a little heat at the same time.

My Desiccant unit only consumes 640W on its highest setting (which you probably wouldn't need) so it isn't too hard on bills either.

Boxlord

I didn't bother putting it across as me complaining about it (mostly because I'm not) because of some of the very negative comments I've seen in other threads, but yours were pleasingly polite!

I was well aware of the heating issue and have been here for just over a year now. The place was 'just done up' before I moved so any existing problems would have been covered over. As I said, I don't mind the cold, I'm just trying to get some options together before I approach the landlords who, to be fair, are very nice guys.

I do have a dehumidifier, which the landlords provided, but I don't know what it's rating / consumption is. And I am wary of running anything as energy-inefficient as electric heaters because of the £ issue, and the fact that they don't seem to do anything.

Like I said I am just trying to get options together. The landlords aren't all that bothered by me (in a good way) as most of their previous tenants seem to have been scum! And the estate agents don't care as long as they get their cut; they haven't even done a single check since I've been here. But that's all by the by. I'm on a 'rolling' 6 month contract so upping and leaving is no issue, but if I can make what time I have let here a little more pleasant then alls the better, right?