Room rental - Max temperature for dwelling

CONORFLYER

Hello Guys,

I have been renting a room in West London for 8 months now. I started renting from June 2016 through the summer until this date. The room has a full room length floor to ceiling double glazed window facing west. I have one window which opens inwards from the top on the right hand side.

The sun shines from early morning in the summer months until sundown causing a greenhouse effect in the room, making it uncomfortable to even sit and watch the television and sleep in the evening. I have been supplied a fan from the landlord and I have also invested in a tower fan to attempt to cool the room. However all this does is circulate the warm air around the room. On a typical day in summer the outside air temperature averaged 16 degrees between the months of June - September, the room easily reaches high 20's and low 30's. I can sit in the sun in this as this is outside, but in a room, its is unbearable.

I am writing to ask what laws or housing rights which are in place in regards to a maximum temperature in a rented dwelling and what responsibility the landlord has to do something about the temperature.

Many thanks in advance,
Conor.

AdrianC

The room has a floor-to-ceiling west-facing window. And you're surprised it gets warm in the sun?

Have you considered moving before this summer?

CONORFLYER

Obviously I am not surprised, however the land lord assured me upon viewing that it can be controlled very easily with the ventilation of the window and the use of the curtains to block out the sun.

Of course I have considered it, me and my partner are actively looking for a place of our own.

theartfullodger

CONORFLYER wrote: »

.......

I am writing to ask what laws or housing rights which are in place in regards to a maximum temperature in a rented dwelling and what responsibility the landlord has to do something about the temperature.

Many thanks in advance,
Conor.

Many & varied (there's over 100 Acts covering renting property..) but this is a good start...
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/housing-health-and-safety-rating-system-guidance-for-landlords-and-property-related-professionals

3

EXCESS HEAT

This category includes threats from excessively high indoor air temperatures.
Effects on health as temperatures rise

Include increase in thermal stress, increase in cardio vascular strain and trauma, and increase in strokes. Mortality increases in temperatures over 25[FONT=Liberation Serif, serif]°[/FONT]C. Although not common, problems can occur in the UK.

Causes

• Ventilation conditions;
• Thermal capacity of the dwelling – smaller dwellings are more prone than
larger;
• Large areas of south facing glazing; and
• Faulty or sub-standard heating controls.

Helpful preventive measures that could have an effect on likelihood and harm
outcomes:

• Large areas of south facing glazing could have shuttering or blinds to control
heat in summer months;
• Means of cooling during hot summer weather, either by natural ventilation or
air conditioning; and
• Controllable heating systems.

Hazard assessment – should take account of:

• Provision for natural ventilation especially for night-time;
• Provision/condition of any mechanical ventilation/air conditioning system;

Housing Health and Safety Rating System

• Level and position of insulation;
• Extent and direction of glazing; and
• State of repair of heating system.

What about flats and other HMOs?

It seems that many flats and bedsits can be affected as these are more likely to be
dwellings which:
• Are badly insulated;
• Those located directly under an un-insulated roof;
• Have only a south facing direction; and
• Have heating systems not under the control of the occupier.

Write (yes, WRITE ! - or email) - keep copy, to landlord, copy any agent, regarding your issues. See here how & a draft letter.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/what_to_do_if_your_landlord_wont_do_repairs

Best regards on this pleasantly sunny day, for spring.

Robin9

The old-fashioned way is to draw the curtains before the sun gets there.

CONORFLYER

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.
Regards,

Conor

AnnieO1234

Just throwing this out there, would it be reasonable to expect air conditioning? Even just a portable unit?

AdrianC

AnnieO1234 wrote: »

Just throwing this out there, would it be reasonable to expect air conditioning?

No.

Even just a portable unit?

And where would you be putting the exhaust from the portable unit?

Fireflyaway

I saw a show on TV stating that whilst back in the days cold was the major issue, its now heat because new builds are so energy efficient. My flat would regularly reach 32 degrees in summer so I know how uncomfortable it can be.
Draw the curtains during the day and only open the windows at night.

AnnieO1234

Out the window the same way we used to before having a proper system installed. Even if it's not for the landlord to do, it might be the only solution to the heat problem.

AdrianC

AnnieO1234 wrote: »

Out the window the same way we used to before having a proper system installed. Even if it's not for the landlord to do, it might be the only solution to the heat problem.

So aircon on and window open...?