Warm homes, overheating and tenant wellbeing

A home needs to be warm enough in cold weather and manageable in hot weather. What is safe and comfortable depends on the person, their health, mobility, medicines and the support available to them.

Keeping warm in cold weather

UK Health Security Agency guidance advises trying to heat rooms used regularly, including living rooms and bedrooms, to at least 18°C. This is a starting point, not a universal temperature prescription. Some people need a warmer home, and individual health advice matters.

Read Keeping warm and well for current government advice. If you cannot afford enough heating or cannot use the controls, tell your housing officer or support team so that the difficulty can be addressed.

Managing hot weather

There is no single indoor temperature range that guarantees safety for everyone. In hot weather, check on people who may need help staying cool, use shading and ventilate safely when the air outside is cooler. Follow individual advice where health conditions or medicines affect the response to heat.

The government’s Beat the heat guidance explains prevention and warning signs. Suspected heatstroke is a medical emergency: call 999.

How temperature monitoring can help

This article originally described a Switchee smart thermostat trial in some Zetetick properties in 2024. Temperature and humidity information can help identify patterns that need attention. Technology does not guarantee a safe temperature or replace responding to a tenant’s concerns, inspecting defects and completing necessary repairs.

Ask our housing team about the arrangements for a particular property. Tenants should know how to use their heating and who to contact if it is not working.

Report problems early

Tell us about heating faults, persistent damp, mould or rooms that become uncomfortably hot. The response needs to consider the building and the person together. Zetetick provides housing management and tenancy support; personal care and health advice come from the appropriate care and health professionals.

Contact our housing team on 0800 03 08 009.

Guidance checked on 8 November 2026. This article concerns England.