Widespread issues of substandard, leaky, and cold housing are exacerbated in coastal areas by environmental factors like salty sea air and high winds.

Nearly one-third of renters avoid requesting repairs or upgrades due to fears of rent increases, eviction, or creating tension with landlords, risking their health and financial stability.

Renters in homes rated EPC E spent an extra £317 last winter on energy bills, with potential savings of up to £440 if their homes were upgraded to EPC C.

A Citizens Advice survey found that over 40% of private renters, approximately 4.5 million people in England and Wales, had to ration their energy use last winter to manage bills.

Among those who requested upgrades, 13% faced rent hikes and 7% experienced refusals from landlords.

The UK government plans to require rental homes to have at least an EPC C rating by 2030, aiming to lift up to half a million homes out of fuel poverty and improve affordability, though delays threaten these improvements.

Citizens Advice urges the government to enforce new rules mandating landlords to upgrade properties to EPC C by 2030, to reduce fuel poverty and enhance living conditions.

Most renters live in homes with EPC ratings of D or lower, indicating poor energy efficiency.

Approximately one-third of private renters, around 3.5 million people, struggled to keep their homes warm during winter, often resorting to drastic measures like skipping hot meals, wearing gloves indoors, and limiting heating to one room due to high energy costs.

Citizens Advice is calling for stronger enforcement of renters' rights to prevent retaliation when requesting essential repairs and upgrades.