A recent study has shed light on the difficult conditions faced by social housing tenants during periods of extreme heat. According to the findings, many residents are living in 'heat trap' flats, where indoor temperatures reach levels that make sleeping and daily activities nearly impossible. The research indicates that the lack of adequate ventilation and poor insulation in these properties forces tenants to resort to desperate measures to stay cool.

To cope with the sweltering conditions, some renters reported sleeping on balconies or in gardens, while others utilized makeshift solutions such as taping damp sheets over windows to block out the sun and lower the ambient temperature. The study suggests that these living conditions are not merely uncomfortable but represent a significant health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations. While the report focuses on the experiences of social renters, it raises broader questions about the quality of housing stock and the ability of current infrastructure to withstand rising global temperatures. There is currently no consensus on the specific policy changes required to address these structural issues, though the findings highlight a growing disparity in how different housing sectors manage climate-related challenges.