Tenants' heating rights

LEMental

Dear Forum

I am in private rented accommodation, where I rent a self-contained annexe of the main house.

The gas central heating is controlled from the main house, both in terms of when it comes on and goes off, and the temperature it is set at. The radiators do have thermostatic controls though, so I have some control.

Most of the time her idea of when it comes on and the temperature I'm fine with, however, now the weather is so cold,I'm wondering what my rights are regarding the minimum temperature my flat should be at this time of year, as I'm noticing the heating is not coming on during the day at the weekends, and I'm getting quite uncomfortably cold. Despite her mostly agreeable attitude, I can sense a growing reluctance to put the heating on during the day at the weekends, and I'd like to know my rights before I challenge her about it.

Many thanks.

elsien

Are your electricity bills included in the rent or do you have to pay this yourself?
Just wondering if getting an electric heater would cost you or her for the increased bills? Could be a bargaining point.

Wanderingpomm

I’d just buy a couple of oil filled radiators you can turn on and off yourself

Bossypants

Wanderingpomm wrote: »

I’d just buy a couple of oil filled radiators you can turn on and off yourself

Seconded. They're quite cheap, both to buy and to run, and very effective.

pinkshoes

Another vote for a couple of oil filled radiators.

We have one in our kids rooms rather than having heating on all the time as our upstairs is so cold.

LEMental

Hi

Thanks for the very quick replies!

My bills are all inclusive, so I'm guessing that's got a lot to do with it.

I'd thought about the oil filled radiators, and definitely worth looking into. I hope to buy my own place early next year but I guess they're always useful as a backup.

Would still like to know what my rights are regarding minimum indoor temperature etc.

Thanks again.

SandraX

Yes, you do have rights to minimum heating temps, just google them.

SandraX

here
reason I know is one of siblings rents out properties

https://www.thetenantsvoice.co.uk/advice_from_us/heating-and-hot-water/

LEMental

Thanks SandraX - exactly what I was looking for. I tried Google but guess I didn't either look hard enough or I'm just not much of a silver surfer lol!

Bossypants

LEMental wrote: »

I hope to buy my own place early next year but I guess they're always useful as a backup.

Very much so, I don't need to use mine on a regular basis but they are a godsend in an emergency. If you get the narrower ones, they still produce a lot of heat and will fit quite neatly in the bottom of a wardrobe or something.

I think of having them like having a working torch: I might only need it once every two years, but when I do I am damn glad to have it to hand!

theartfullodger

Your rights for heating etc etc etc are in here (sorry, 29 areas...)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/housing-health-and-safety-rating-system-guidance-for-landlords-and-property-related-professionals

- for heating note section 2, in particular -

What about flats and HMOs?

Centrally controlled space heating systems should operate in a way that makes sure occupants are not exposed to cold indoor temperatures. Occupants should be allowed to control temperature within their dwelling.

- suggest you get a thermometer & start noting actual temperatures at relevant times & days.

Artful: (Landlord btw...)