When you think of a broken boiler, a mouldy ceiling, or leaking pipes, the first thing that comes to mind might be inconvenience or discomfort. But what many tenants don’t realise is that living in poor housing conditions can have serious consequences for your health. From respiratory issues to mental health problems, the medical evidence is clear: housing disrepair isn’t just a property issue—it’s a public health concern.
If you are a tenant living in a council or housing association property, and your landlord has failed to address dangerous or unhealthy living conditions, you may be entitled to legal action and housing disrepair compensation. In this article, we’ll explore the health risks linked to housing disrepair and explain how Greenbank Lawyers can help you fight for your rights.
Damp, Mould, and Respiratory Illness
One of the most common—and most harmful—issues in social housing is damp and mould. The NHS and Public Health England have long reported a direct link between damp housing and respiratory illnesses such as:
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infections
- Chronic coughing or wheezing
Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are especially vulnerable. Long-term exposure can worsen symptoms or even lead to the development of new respiratory conditions. In some cases, medical professionals will confirm that housing conditions are directly contributing to a tenant’s illness.
Cold Homes and Cardiovascular Problems
Faulty or broken heating systems can lead to dangerously cold homes, especially in the winter. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), living in a cold home increases the risk of:
- Heart attacks
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
Cold environments also weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off common viruses and infections. For tenants with chronic illnesses or mobility issues, inadequate heating can become life-threatening.
Structural Issues and Injury Risk
Hazards like broken stairs, loose floorboards, or faulty electrical wiring pose immediate safety risks. Falls, electric shocks, and even fires have all been reported in poorly maintained social housing properties.
These physical injuries can have long-term effects on mobility, mental wellbeing, and income. If the landlord has been informed but failed to take action, they could be held legally responsible for the harm caused.
The Mental Health Impact of Poor Housing
It’s not just physical health that’s at risk. Living in an unsafe or deteriorating home can cause ongoing stress, anxiety, and depression. The sense of being neglected by your housing provider can affect your self-worth and emotional wellbeing.
Tenants often report:
- Sleep disturbances due to noise, cold, or fear of hazards
- Social withdrawal due to embarrassment about home conditions
- Feelings of hopelessness, especially when repeated repair requests are ignored
Mental health professionals increasingly recognise the role poor housing plays in psychological distress. Medical records and professional assessments can support claims for housing disrepair compensation related to mental health.
Medical Evidence in Housing Disrepair Claims
To make a strong legal case, it’s essential to link your health issues directly to the disrepair. This is where medical evidence becomes crucial. A solicitor will often work with you to gather:
- GP records
- Hospital or specialist letters
- Reports linking conditions to the home environment
- Photographic evidence of the disrepair
A clear timeline of when symptoms began and how they have worsened due to unaddressed issues can strengthen your claim considerably.
How Greenbank Lawyers Can Help
At Greenbank Lawyers, we specialise in helping tenants of council and housing association properties who are suffering due to housing disrepair. We understand the stress, health impacts, and financial strain that come from living in poor conditions. Our legal team has extensive experience linking medical issues to housing negligence and holding social landlords accountable.
If you live in a council or housing association home and your landlord has failed to make necessary repairs, we can help you:
- Document your case and gather medical evidence
- Deal directly with your housing provider on your behalf
- Secure compensation for your health, inconvenience, and financial losses
- Ensure urgent repairs are finally completed
We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to you. If your health has been affected by housing disrepair, don’t wait. Contact Greenbank Lawyers today and take the first step toward holding your landlord accountable and improving your living conditions.
Please note: Greenbank Lawyers can only assist tenants currently living in council or housing association properties. We are not able to help private renters or homeowners with housing disrepair claims.