Top tips for tenants to keep warm this winter
Top tips for tenants to keep warm this winter are important as energy prices continue to rise and cold weather sets in. This guide aims to provide practical advice that helps renters stay comfortable without breaking the bank. In 2026, with stricter regulations and tenant protections in place, both tenants and landlords have a clearer understanding of their responsibilities regarding heating and insulation.
we will explore how the law supports tenants' rights to live in warm homes, what changes the Renters' Rights Act 2025 brings, practical steps for dealing with issues, common pitfalls to avoid, and where to seek help when needed. Whether you're a tenant facing rising energy costs or a landlord concerned about compliance, this guide provides important insights and actionable advice.
What the law says
The legal framework governing tenants' rights to adequate heating is established in several statutes. The Housing Act 1988 (sections 8, 13, and 21) addresses the conditions under which landlords must maintain a property fit for habitation. Section 8 of this act covers implied terms in tenancy agreements regarding repairs and maintenance, including heating systems. Sections 13 and 21 deal with notice periods for eviction. Although section 21 was abolished by the Renters' Rights Act 2025.
The Housing Act 2004 (sections 213-215) extends these protections to cover disrepair issues that affect a property's habitability. This includes ensuring that heating systems are in good working order and that the home is adequately insulated against cold temperatures. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (section 11) also sets out requirements for landlords to repair structural elements of a dwelling, which may include measures like fixing broken windows or installing insulation.
The Deregulation Act 2015 introduced section 33, which requires tenants to report disrepair issues promptly and in writing. This ensures that both parties are clear about the condition of the property at any given time. Additionally, the Tenant Fees Act 2019 restricts fees landlords can charge for maintenance requests, ensuring that tenants don't face undue financial burdens when seeking repairs.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 changes this
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 significantly altered the situation of tenant protection. At Top tips for tenants to keep warm this winter, among its provisions, section 21 was abolished, ending the automatic right of landlords to evict tenants without cause at the end of a fixed term or after six months for periodic tenancies. This shift towards more secure tenancies gives renters greater stability and reduces their vulnerability to sudden evictions.
From day one, all new tenancies become periodic by default unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing, thereby eliminating the need for a formal notice period before converting to a rolling agreement. Annual rent caps via Section 13 of the Act help prevent excessive increases, ensuring that tenants don't face unreasonable financial burdens year after year.
The Decent Homes Standard has been extended to cover private rented sector (PRS) properties through Awaab's Law, which mandates that all homes meet certain minimum standards for warmth and energy efficiency. This includes insulation measures like cavity wall fill or loft lagging where applicable. The PRS Ombudsman was established under the Act to provide a fair and independent body for resolving disputes between tenants and landlords.
Further provisions require private landlords to register on the new PRS Database, facilitating better oversight and accountability within the sector. These changes collectively enhance tenant rights while placing additional compliance obligations on landlords to ensure that rental properties are fit for human habitation year-round.
What this means for tenants
In practical terms, tenants now have more strong protections against arbitrary evictions and excessive rent hikes thanks to the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Tenants may be entitled to report disrepair issues without fear of reprisal under section 33 of the Deregulation Act 2015. When it comes to heating, tenants are expected to maintain their homes in a clean and tidy state but must also notify landlords promptly if major repairs like boiler breakdowns occur.
Landlords have an obligation to keep premises warm and well-insulated, adhering to the Decent Homes Standard extended by Awaab's Law. Tenants should familiarise themselves with these laws and understand that they can seek assistance from organisations such as Shelter or Citizens Advice for guidance on their rights and how to proceed if problems arise.
What this means for landlords
Landlords are now expected to comply with stricter regulations regarding the condition of rental properties. At Top tips for tenants to keep warm this winter, particularly in terms of heating and insulation. Under Awaab's Law, all private rented homes must meet the Decent Homes Standard, ensuring they're warm enough throughout the year. This may involve installing cavity wall insulation or upgrading boilers for more efficient heat retention.
Landlords should be aware that tenants have legal recourse if these standards aren't met. Failure to maintain properties could result in penalties from local councils or disputes with the newly established PRS Ombudsman. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance can help prevent such issues, ensuring compliance with current legislation and maintaining positive tenant relationships.
Common scenarios
Scenario 1: Boiler Breakdown
If a boiler breaks down during winter, tenants should inform their landlord immediately as per section 33 of the Deregulation Act 2015. Landlords are expected to rectify such issues promptly to avoid breaching habitability standards under Awaab's Law.Scenario 2: Drafty Windows
Tenants often struggle with drafty windows during cold months. By applying transparent film or self-adhesive foam, they can seal gaps temporarily until permanent solutions like double glazing are feasible within the terms of their tenancy agreement.Scenario 3: Inadequate Heating
If a property is consistently too cold despite efforts to insulate and maintain it, tenants may be entitled to request repairs under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Persistent failure by landlords could lead to formal complaints or even legal action if habitability standards aren't met.Evidence tenants should keep
Tenants should gather evidence to support any claims regarding heating issues or disrepair in their homes. Documentation such as:
- Letters: Write dated letters detailing the nature of repairs needed and responses from the landlord.
- Photos: Take clear photos showing damaged fixtures, cold rooms, or other relevant conditions.
- Dates: Note exact dates when problems were reported and attempts made to resolve them.
- Correspondence: Keep copies of emails, texts, and any formal notices exchanged regarding maintenance issues.
This evidence may be necessary for submitting complaints through official channels like local council environmental health departments or the PRS Ombudsman. Top tips for tenants to keep warm this winter also serves as protection against claims by landlords that tenants have neglected property upkeep.
What to do if things go wrong
If heating problems persist despite communication with the landlord, tenants should escalate issues methodically:
- Complaint Letter: Draft a formal letter outlining all efforts made and issues remaining unresolved.
- Council Environmental Health: Contact local council offices responsible for environmental health to report ongoing disrepair affecting habitability.
- Deposit Scheme Dispute: If repair costs are deducted from the deposit, contact the relevant tenancy deposit scheme operator for mediation.
- Housing Ombudsman: For disputes arising within social housing contexts, file a complaint with the Housing Ombudsman.
- PRS Ombudsman: Use this service to resolve conflicts specific to private rented sector properties under Awaab's Law.
- First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber): If all else fails, consider filing an appeal through this tribunal for matters not resolved via other means.
- County Court: As a last resort, tenants may initiate legal proceedings in county court against landlords who fail to address critical disrepair issues.
Each step should be taken after careful consideration and ideally with advice from legal experts or housing rights organisations like Shelter or Citizens Advice.
Common mistakes to avoid
Both tenants and landlords often make errors that complicate heating disputes unnecessarily:
- Ignoring Warnings: Tenants sometimes neglect minor maintenance tasks thinking they're trivial, only for them to become major issues.
- Poor Documentation: Failing to keep thorough records of repairs requested can weaken a tenant's case during formal complaints or legal proceedings.
- Overreacting: Landlords may prematurely evict tenants over small heating concerns rather than engaging in dialogue and seeking mutually beneficial solutions.
- Ignoring Lawsuits: Landlords ignoring court summons for non-compliance with Awaab's Law could lead to severe penalties including fines or forced compliance orders.
- Not Seeking Help Early: Both parties shouldn't hesitate to consult legal aid services early on, as waiting too long may limit available remedies.
Where to get help
When issues arise concerning heating and insulation in rental properties, tenants and landlords can seek assistance from several sources:
Shelter provides full advice through its website and helpline service. At Top tips for tenants to keep warm this winter, Citizens Advice offers localised support with detailed guidance on rights and responsibilities under current legislation. Local councils often have dedicated housing teams that handle complaints about disrepair and habitability issues.
Legal aid is available for those who qualify, providing access to free legal representation in disputes involving landlord-tenant relationships. These resources collectively offer a strong network of support aimed at resolving conflicts amicably while upholding the rights of both parties involved.