energy certificate lies about window type?

System

K.S. wrote: »

Question though, is it the norm for properties to have concrete flooring with no insulation prior to moving in? seems strange to force a tenant to drop quite a lot of money on proper underlay and thick carpets to counter how cold this inevitably makes a property.

Cheers.

My only experience of my wife helping her Mother was that the sheltered housing was empty of just about everything and had to be cleared out on her death. If we didn't clear the property, then the HA would have continued to charge rent until we did so. Canny neighbours offered to take most of the good stuff.

McKneff

I couldn't cope with being cold like that without warmth at least in sight.


I think I would be mithering the HA every day lol




Any chance of you getting an exchange or private rent.

K.S.

@McKneff:

I always seem to find myself too busy to think about moving, let alone private renting as this is my first rented place alone as i had always relied on different family members prior to living here...

I can apply for other properties through Gentoo but as i've just started a new job in the new year, i've found myself without any spare time yet again

I'll keep private renting in mind but have heard mixed things from friends and family that have gone that route, i'm still unsure... though from everything i do hear, it would be a huge step up from the quality of life you get in a standard Gentoo property

silverwhistle

K.S. wrote: »

Question though, is it the norm for properties to have concrete flooring with no insulation prior to moving in? seems strange to force a tenant to drop quite a lot of money on proper underlay and thick carpets to counter how cold this inevitably makes a property.

Well, I rented out my property to a housing association and got it back with no carpets (stairs and upstairs), ruined laminate in the lounge and dining room and no laminate at all in the hall. No obligation to replace under the contract although I did negotiate new tiling in the kitchen (every tile badly chipped) and laminate in the hall as they'd so obviously not supervised the tenant (I could go on...).

The advantage however of a housing association property is that if you pay your rent you have a bit more security which makes it more worthwhile to actually put down your own carpet. It probably makes more sense to lay really good underlay and upgrade carpet when you can. The other tip is to wear really thick warm socks with your slippers: I often do even in my warm house.

Incidentally, it's my own house which I rented out whilst abroad and the carpet and underlay were reasonable quality, but dog fleas don't respect quality wool carpets..

K.S.

@silverwhistle:

i'll put in a solid couple of months at work and get new underlay and carpet ...

since i said earlier in the thread that gentoo don't plan to "improve" the property until 2020, i'm at a loss either way, but a bigger one if i don't take the leap and fork out the dough

do you think a new door would improve heat retention in the property? i have an old wooden one with glass panels, but the draughtproofing around the door is ridiculously outdated... everyone else i know through gentoo has at least a plastic framed door with a proper draughtproof seal around it

MacMickster

I would concentrate on that radiator in your sitting room. If you can't get it hot then chase up the HA about this until it is fixed or replaced.

If money is tight, next concentrate on replacing the underlay rather than the carpets. You can buy top quality underlay much cheaper on the interweb than you can get it in your local carpet shed, and it is easy to put down yourself (then just put your current carpet back down on top). Good quality thick carpet is far more expensive than good quality underlay.

K.S.

cheers for the advice everyone... i have a person coming out to go over the issues with the property with me, and act accordingly from there... hopefully they can do something about the windows, door, and radiators...

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

K.S. wrote: »

my tariff is with Eon prepayment as that's what the flat had when i moved in... 4.358p per kWh with 31.5p standing charge per day, i think at most i can spend £20, at the least i still spend around £15 for 3 radiators, frequent baths, and washing dishes

when i'm in all week i have the heating on full whack from when i get up to when i go to sleep, when i'm at work it's on on a morning before i go out and on again when i get back to when i go to sleep

K.S. wrote: »

so are you suggesting that i switch to a smart meter and direct debit? as i've already signed up for a smart meter but no idea when it will happen... the direct debit tariff offered by Eon would apparently give me £70 in savings that would come off the bill over the year, ontop of paperless and dual fuel which i already receive, can't currently see exact tariff information as the site is in maintenance but i'll update the post when i can

Hi K.S. and welcome to the Forums. Sorry for the late reply. Just spotted this thread. Thought I might be able to offer a bit of advice. It won't solve your immediate heating issues but might give you a steer for the future.

As there's a prepayment meter in place, we've only the one tariff available. We'll be happy to look at changing the meter to a credit type for free provided you pass an external credit check and there's no debt involved. This will give you more tariff options both with us and with the other suppliers. With a credit meter, you can also pay with a Monthly Direct Debit. This will give you lower daily standing charges worth about £35 per fuel per year. This is the £70 savings you mention.

Before the meter's changed, though, there may be other things we can help with. I know you say there's insulation at the property but is it adequate? Have you heard of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO)? This is a Government led scheme that aims to cut usage by providing help with energy saving stuff like boiler replacements as well as loft and cavity wall insulation. There's more information on our website. Whilst on the website, have a look at the 'Saving Energy' pages. Lots of tips to help save money by saving energy.

It's good you've signed up for a Smart Meter. We've been rolling them out for quite a time now but they're not available to everyone yet. It depends on things like the region, strength of the mobile phone signal and the current metering set up. As you've signed up, we'll be in touch as soon as they're available for your property.

It's great you're receiving discount for paperless billing and dual fuel but make sure you sign up for our Rewards scheme too. It's free and you can earn up to 1500 points each year. These can be exchanged for either Tesco Clubcard points or High Street Shopping Vouchers. As I say, you do need to sign up to the scheme. You can do this online or over the phone.

Sorry again for the late reply K.S. but hope this gives you a bit of a steer. Let me know if you need any more information as happy to help.

Malc

K.S.

figured i'd update the thread but unfortunately there's no happy news as of yet...

windows are still in the same condition, gentoo will not accept that they just aren't fit for purpose, and to my disappointment the flat will not be modernized until 2020, so i'm currently on the look out for a flat that has more efficient heating and insulation systems in-place

i'm still waiting for news on the smart meter from E-on too

thanks for the official response Malc, although i'm already aware of all the rewards i can get while on prepayment

cheers

CashStrapped

Did you contact shelter for advice?

To be honest contacting your local enviromental health officer via the council may be the action to take. It is worth a call. If they deem the flat as not fit for purpose then they [gentoo] may be required to make improvements. Whilst they are there show them the incorrect energy certificate.