We’ve joined forces with Shelter to campaign for ‘Better Homes for Britain’ and improve the standard of one million private rental homes.

Since 2001, the private rental sector in England has grown from 2.06 million to 3.62 million households and by 2025, a further 22% increase is expected. As this number increases, so does the number of homes that fail to meet a basic living standard. 

Many of us take for granted being able to heat our homes and having the amenities to safeguard against things like carbon monoxide leaks, but 37% of private rental homes fall into this category.

In a five year partnership with the housing charity, we’re going to help millions of people across Britain improve their standard of living.

In order to achieve our aim over the next five years, we’ll be working with Shelter to bring about change across privately rented homes. We’ll be conducting research to provide an insight into the face of renting in the UK and using our practical expertise in areas such as insulation, plumbing, electrical safety and smart metering. Our 11,000 engineers will also be offering practical advice on warmth and safety.

Phil Bentley, Managing Director of British Gas said: “At British Gas, we visit 50,000 homes every day often witnessing first-hand the reality of poor housing conditions.

But, you’d be wrong to think this only affects the most vulnerable in society.  It affects us all.  As the number of rental homes increases so too will the number of people paying to live in poor or inadequate housing.

British Gas is joining forces with Shelter to make housing better for the growing army of renters in Britain.  We want better standards, better support for tenants and, most importantly, better homes for Britain.”

Campbell Robb, CEO of Shelter, said: “Almost 50 years ago, Shelter was borne out of the need for action to help tackle a growing housing crisis in Britain.  Today, a generation locked out of home ownership is facing the silent crisis of poor housing conditions.

Together with British Gas, we’ll have the scale and reach to improve the condition of a million homes and set out the policy reform we need to improve our private rental sector for good.”

Stay tuned to the British Gas blog as we’ll be updating it with our progress along the way.