Heating in privately rented accommodation

[kriskwery]

I have a young friend who rents a self-contained bedsitter in a converted house with 6 similar tenants. I'll let her continue .........

My rent is all inclusive except for electricity and the heating is included. My landlords have full control over the heating and have the timer in a cupboard which is always locked. They refuse to put the heating on during the day and at weekends even though a few of the tenants have asked, and if I have a day off work because I'm sick, I have no way of putting the heating on myself (unless I use my own electric heater). There is no heating at all between 1st May - 1st September, yet my rent is unchanged.

This seems like an unreasonable situation. Can anyone suggest ways I could change it?

Many thanks

[zaskar]

...i guess it depends on whether you knew about these heating restrictions before you signed the lease? If you did know, i.e. it was written in to your contract, and you still signed (therefore agreeing) then I don't think you have a leg to stand on. If you didn't know, unfortunately the landlord will probably have some weasely way to get round changing the current restrictions - from personal experience the landlord always wins - or makes it incredibly awkward for the tenant. If you really can't stand it... move.