Need advice regarding what to do with in livable cold rental property.

Cakeguts

Not that long ago it was normal for people to get up in the morning and scrape the ice off the inside of the bedroom windows to see out. If you aren't scraping the ice of the inside of your bedroom windows then it isn't that cold in there and you just need to wear winter weight clothing. The best thing to keep you warm is your own body heat. So you need to be well insulated.

shortcrust

My first flat was single glazed and it was toasty warm. You know, cos of the boiler and radiators working properly. I wouldn’t want my house at 10c for too long even if it was empty.

I honestly think the people essentially saying ‘get over it’ are being ludicrous.

[Deleted User]

Totally agree too.

If heating isn't enthusiastic enough to be helpful (been there), try an electric blanket (something I used). Fairly cheap to run (check the packaging, they normally display hourly costs or have a look on Amazon).

LL's shouldn't be able to get away with providing conditions like this nowadays.., but unfortunately, they can.

We aren't living in the 60's or 80's, we are living in a decade where it is expected that working central heating and insulation provides a comfortable air temperature. Just because you are renting, you shouldn't be expected to say "Oh dear, this place is constantly freezing, I guess that's just tough". Central Heating is so popular because humans like to NOT have to free windows of ice in the morning. I grew up like that. I remember shivering in my bed night after night, unable to sleep as a child. There's a reason that is not considered acceptable anymore. I can still remember how miserable it was (this was in the 70's and 80's not the Stone Age). Just the same as we should have good sanitation services and running water - it affects health. Remember all the adverts you used to get about older people dying? You don't see them so often now do you? Wonder why? Lets ignore the fact that with budget cuts people can't always afford to heat their property properly - after all the goverment does.

There really should be enforceable (not get arounds like EPC) standards for those wanting to make money from renting rooms or properties with regards to double glazed openable windows, insulation in attics, central heating, ability to get internal air temperature around 18 degrees.

Lets face it, you buy a computer or a car, you expect all the buttons and parts to work. Why should it be acceptable to pay money each month for a property you shiver in because central heating system is old, or there isn't double glazing or a lack of insulation. I've found all these in places I rented and had to remedy what I could myself. LL refused.

seven-day-weekend

I agree with Deanna Trois. Landlords wouldn't live in places like that themselves, why should they expect anyone else to do so?

However, apart from the clingfilm and thick curtains approach, I don't know what else the OP can do. They can't make the LL change the windows.

Davesnave

Ninconpoop wrote: »

Hey I've moved into a flat but it has really old windows that need replacing. What can I do to get the landlord to replace them?

Nothing, unless they are dangerous in some way; for example, not opening to allow escape in the event of fire etc.

I'd dare to suggest that nearly all adults know pretty much how buildings work, or don't, to keep people warm in winter. Many have had early experiences which taught the basics about that.

So, if we see a place has no central heating, big gaps around the single glazed windows and under doors, we quickly recognise it'll be cold in winter time.

Despite that, some of us buy or rent property that is far from well heated and insulated, possibly as a means to an end. I've done both in the last 10 years. Its been my own fault that I've chosen discomfort for longer term ends.

Maybe you have done similarly?

Davesnave

deannatrois wrote: »

There really should be enforceable (not get arounds like EPC) standards for those wanting to make money from renting rooms or properties with regards to double glazed openable windows, insulation in attics, central heating, ability to get internal air temperature around 18 degrees.

I agree, but that's a matter for legislators, not the OP or their individual landlord.

It's ultimately about the priorities of the whole nation.

anselld

Enforcement action can already be taken by Environmental Health under the HHSRS rating system, cold being one of the safety risk factors.

The OP may request inspection by the EHO and would receive protection from retaliatory eviction if enforcement action is taken.

Furthermore all rental properties (with a few exceptionsj will be required to meet EPC E or better for new tenancies from Apr 2018 and existing from 2020.

So the laws are there if anyone cares to use them.

[Deleted User]

As I said, I tried for a number of issues including mould, lack of insulation, damp, cold, boiler problems etc.

Environmental Health didnt even bother to inspect, they just wrote a letter to the LL asking him to make repairs. He then threatened to evict me if I didn't inform Environmental Health i didn't intend to make a complaint. I told him I would but didn't. Environmental health made no attempts whatsoever to follow it up.

this was about 2 years ago.

I'm afraid LL's CAN and do get away with it.

I had no idea the place had no attic insulation, that the extension was a bodge job with no insulation. Only discovered that when the cold weather hit. Sometimes its obvious, often not. Unfortunately as someone dependent on benefits I then found myself unable to move until the LL evicted me four years later. But this does not mean I should expect a cold badly heated and insulated property. Just as the OP shouldn't pass what they are experiencing as 'to be expected' because its a rental property.

anselld

deannatrois wrote: »

As I said, I tried for a number of issues including mould, lack of insulation, damp, cold, boiler problems etc.

Environmental Health didnt even bother to inspect, they just wrote a letter to the LL asking him to make repairs. He then threatened to evict me if I didn't inform Environmental Health i didn't intend to make a complaint. I told him I would but didn't. Environmental health made no attempts whatsoever to follow it up.

this was about 2 years ago.

I'm afraid LL's CAN and do get away with it.

Indeed. “If anyone cares to use them” was directed at Councils as much as Tenants.

The knee-jerk response is often “more legislation” but that would be pointless when Councils are already failing to enforce the existing laws which in most cases are perfectly adequate.

tori.k

Head over to the old style board there are threads on Canadian window quilts and preparing for winter threads that are chocked full of hints,
This place was only designed as a summer let and it's miserable in the winter despite the wood burner it just to big to keep the ambient temperature above 16c so we added room divider curtains ( charity shop) blankets on the sofa and wear extra layers, we could use the freestanding panel heater but it eats electric so that's down to us not the landlord.
Have you invited the landlord round to decuss the issue if you are using the heating provided properly and it's that cold he may just be unaware of the issue if nobody has complained before.