How Can Disrepair Affect Your Health

When a property falls into disrepair, it can have serious consequences for your physical and mental health.

If you are renting, it is unacceptable to live in unsafe or poorly maintained housing. Your housing association or local council has a legal responsibility to address disrepair issues promptly.

Common Types of Housing Disrepair

Housing disrepair can take many forms, including:

  • Mould and damp
  • Pest infestations
  • Faulty plumbing
  • Poor sanitation
  • Structural damage

These issues can negatively affect your health in a variety of ways.

Health Issues Caused by Housing Disrepair

Allergic Reactions

Exposure to mould, dust mites, or chemicals in building materials can trigger symptoms such as:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Watery eyes and nose
  • Itchy skin and eczema
  • Coughing and sneezing

Respiratory Conditions, Including Asthma

Dampness, mould, and allergens like cockroach droppings can irritate the respiratory system and worsen asthma. The NHS confirms that people in damp, mouldy homes are at higher risk of:

  • Respiratory infections
  • Allergies
  • Asthma flare ups

Respiratory Infections

Cold, damp, or mouldy conditions increase the risk of infections like:

  • Sinusitis
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia

Vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children are particularly at risk.

Gastrointestinal Infections

Faulty plumbing, broken toilets, and pest infestations, can cause gastrointestinal infections, leading to:

  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dehydration

Poisoning

Disrepair can expose residents to toxins like:

  • Carbon monoxide
  • Lead
  • Radon gas
  • Smoke inhalation

These substances can cause serious health issues, including nervous system disorders, cancer, and even death.

Physical Injuries

Unsafe conditions increase the risk of:

  • Trips and falls
  • Burns and scalds
  • Cuts and electric shocks

Hazards include broken doors, faulty wiring, uneven flooring, and damaged appliances.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Cold, damp, and mouldy homes can exacerbate heart conditions, increasing the risk of:

  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes
  • Heart failure

Anxiety and Depression

Poor housing can negatively impact mental health. Research shows 21% of adults in England report that housing issues have affected their mental wellbeing.

Your Rights as a Tenant

Tenants in England and Wales have the right to live in homes that meet basic health and safety standards. Housing associations and councils must:

  • Carry out repairs promptly
  • Ensure properties are fit for habitation

If your requests fo repair are ignored, you have the right to take legal action.

Claiming Compensation for Housing Disrepair

housing disrepair claim allows you to seek compensation for physical or mental health problems caused by poor housing conditions.

Even if repairs are eventually completed, you may still claim for ongoing health issues linked to the disrepair.

How NJS Law Can Help

At NJS Law, we are specialist housing disrepair solicitors serving tenants across England and Wales. We can assist with:

  • Instructing a surveyor to assess property disrepair and provide evidence
  • Legally compelling your housing association or council to complete repairs
  • Obtaining a medical expert’s report linking your health problems to disrepair
  • Claiming compensation for the period your property was in disrepair

We work on a No Win No Fee basis, making it easier for tenants to pursue justice.

Why Chose NJS Law

Our team has decades of experience helping tenants with health deuteriation caused by housing disrepair.

We are sympathetic, approachable, and here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to discuss your claim – we will explain your options clearly and help you get the repairs and compensation you deserve.

FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM FOR REPAIRS AND COMPENSATION

Average Compensation - £1,895
We work on a NO WIN NO FEE basis
to get your home put right and to get you compensated!

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