Living / Heating Standards

Hi,

I'm currently living in sub Arctic temperatures in a duplex studio apt. We rely on a small electric heater for the whole apt. There is a wood burning stove but this doesn't provide much heat.

Though we were aware of the heating appliances when we rented, if it genuinely is not good enough, is there anything we can do? Are there any standards it should be meeting?

Thank you.

Did you see a BER when you rented?

No, should I have? The house is 160 years old.....

You need to look at the Standards for Rented Houses Regulations, article 7.

http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,19428,en.pdf

I think you will find it difficult and expensive to heat a property of that age. I grew up in houses without central heating - but I fear the modern generation like their "home comforts"!

However, the following may be of interest as regards the standards for property being rented:

7. (1) Every room used, or intended for use, by the tenant of the house as a habitable room shall contain:
(a) a permanently fixed appliance or appliances capable of providing effective heating,
(b) suitable and adequate facilities for the safe and effective removal of fumes and other products of combustion to the external air.
(2) The operation of any appliance referred to in sub-article (1)(a) shall be capable of being independently manageable by the tenant.


If your property does not comply then you should first approach your landlord, in writing, to remedy the problem stating a reasonable time to effect a remedy - say 14 days.

However, he is not obliged to install the cheapest nor most efficient form of heating - just one that works.

This was all very helpful. Problem has been solved. Thank you all!