Fresh laundry, dried in the sun, is a luxury not all renters can enjoy.
Many letting agreements stipulate that clothes aren’t to be air-dried indoors to reduce the chance of damp, while an estimated 1.4 million tenants are subject to contractual clauses preventing them from displaying clothing outside.
To add to the catch 22 situation, a further 2.7 million renters have no outdoor space to dry laundry even if they wanted to.
That’s why Smart PAYG energy firm, Utilita, has partnered with community app, Nextdoor, for a campaign matching affected tenants with homeowners willing to lend their washing lines.
Recent research by the businesses revealed that seven in 10 Brits are unaware such restrictions exist – but 36% would happily offer up their outdoor space to renters in need.
The poll, of 2,000 adults, also found that 85% wouldn’t be bothered by seeing lines of clothes hanging out to dry, while 79% say the rules are unfair and should be scrapped.
Laura Roche, Nextdoor’s managing director, commented: ‘Since the start of the cost-of-living crisis, we’ve seen neighbours go out of their way to help others – whether that’s by batch cooking, offering free repair services or simply hosting a book club…
‘We welcome everyone to join the #sharemyair conversation, so be the first to tell your area about the great new initiative and, if you can help others, let them know by posting the hashtag on your status.’
Among those polled via OnePoll.com, nearly eight in 10 (79%) believe drying inside could cause health issues, and 70% raised concerns over space in their homes.
A massive 68% claimed they’d have to unnecessarily use a tumble dryer as a result of such regulations – forcing households to spend an extra £26.40 each summer when using the appliance an average three times per week.
During the warmer months, the average Brit goes through four loads of washing per week, with 70% claiming hanging clothes out to dry is one of the best things about this time of year.
Almost half of those polled feel tenants face too many restrictions, with 55% objecting to bans on bringing in new furniture and 42% arguing that landlords limiting the installation of energy efficient measures is unfair.
According to Utilita experts, the campaign has the power to help the households affected cut their carbon emissions by almost 42 tonnes of Co2 – the equivalent of travelling 11.5 million miles in a standard car – through avoiding tumble dryers during summertime.
George Walters, Utilita’s chief home services officer, said: ‘Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-hungry appliances and ideally, no one would use one during warmer weather when the sun is shining.
‘Using our smart meter data insights, we have been able to work out exactly what it costs tenants and homeowners without outside space, simply to dry their clothes.
‘We believe that everyone should have somewhere to dry laundry outside, and we hope the #sharemyair campaign will provide a solution.
‘Meanwhile, we will lobby for improved drying rights for tenants to help their pockets and the planet.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
MORE : What I Rent: Rachel and Gaston, who pay £2,815 in London after moving over from the US
MORE : Renters could be owed thousands in compensation – are you eligible?
Get all the need-to-know property news, features and advice from Metro every week.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
