More than half of those living in privately rented homes are struggling with cold, damp or mouldy conditions - despite paying up to almost £1,000 more a year on heating amid the cost of living crisis.
A survey carried out by Citizens Advice found that around 2.7 million households, including 1.6 million children, are living in poor conditions as a combined result of high energy bills and lack of insulation. A total of 40% of renters said that they felt stressed as a result of living with excessive cold, damp or mould, while 36% said it made them feel anxious.
The charity warned that private renters are some of the worst affected by the rising cost of living, with the average tenant in England paying £350 more a year on heating their home due to poor insulation and damp problems. But the problem is far worse in the least efficient properties, where tenants are paying an extra £950 on average.
