The Health Risks of Living in a Home with Housing Disrepair

Every tenant deserves a safe, healthy, and secure home. But for thousands of tenants across the UK, that basic right is denied due to housing disrepair. From damp and mould to broken heating systems, unsafe electrics, and pest infestations, these issues do more than damage a property — they can have a devastating effect on physical and mental health.

At Housing Disrepair Claims, we specialise in helping tenants who are living in unsafe conditions. Our team of housing disrepair solicitors and housing disrepair experts not only fight to get urgent repairs completed but also secure compensation for tenants whose health and wellbeing have been affected.

In this article, we’ll explore the health risks caused by the most common housing disrepair problems, explain why it’s important to act quickly, and show how making a housing disrepair compensation claim can help protect your future.

Damp and Mould: Breathing Problems and Allergies

Perhaps the most common issue in housing disrepair cases is damp and mould. Far from being just a cosmetic issue, mould is a major health hazard.

Health risks include:

  • Worsening asthma and breathing difficulties.

  • Chronic coughs, wheezing, and chest infections.

  • Skin irritation and rashes.

  • Increased allergies, particularly in children and the elderly.

If your landlord has ignored repeated complaints about damp and mould, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim. Our housing disrepair solicitors regularly secure compensation for tenants whose health has been directly affected by mould exposure.

Cold Homes and Broken Heating Systems

Living without heating or hot water is more than uncomfortable — it is dangerous.

Health risks include:

  • Higher risk of colds, flu, and pneumonia.

  • Aggravated arthritis and joint pain.

  • Increased blood pressure and risk of heart problems.

  • Poor mental health due to stress and anxiety.

Landlords are legally required to provide tenants with safe and working heating. If you’ve been forced to live in freezing conditions, our housing disrepair experts can help you claim compensation and ensure repairs are carried out urgently.

Unsafe Electrics: Shocks and Fire Risks

Faulty wiring, exposed cables, or broken sockets are not just inconvenient — they can be life-threatening.

Health risks include:

  • Severe electric shocks.

  • Risk of electrical fires.

  • Risk of burns or injury from unsafe appliances.

If your landlord has ignored reports of faulty electrics, you can make a compensation claim for housing disrepair. Our team ensures landlords are held accountable for exposing tenants to such dangerous conditions.

Pest Infestations: Illness and Stress

Rats, mice, cockroaches, and bedbugs can cause serious health problems. Infestations are often the result of poor property maintenance, such as broken drains, damp, or structural damage.

Health risks include:

  • Food contamination.

  • Stomach illnesses and infections.

  • Bites, rashes, and skin irritation.

  • Severe anxiety, stress, and loss of sleep.

At Housing Disrepair Claims, our solicitors ensure landlords who fail to tackle infestations properly are forced to act, while tenants receive fair compensation for the distress and damage caused.

Water Leaks and Flooding

Leaks and flooding not only damage belongings but also create a serious health hazard.

Health risks include:

  • Growth of toxic mould after flooding.

  • Slips, falls, and injuries from wet floors.

  • Stress from repeated property damage and loss of belongings.

If your landlord has ignored water damage in your property, our housing disrepair solicitors can help you recover compensation for both the health impact and financial losses.

Structural Hazards: Injuries and Anxiety

Unsafe ceilings, cracked walls, broken stairs, and insecure windows or doors can put tenants at constant risk.

Health risks include:

  • Physical injury from falling debris.

  • Trips and falls on damaged flooring or stairs.

  • Constant anxiety and stress from living in unsafe conditions.

When landlords ignore such hazards, tenants have every right to make a housing disrepair claim.

Mental Health Impacts of Housing Disrepair

Housing disrepair doesn’t just damage physical health — it also takes a toll on mental wellbeing.

Tenants living with serious disrepair often experience:

  • Constant stress and worry about safety.

  • Sleep problems due to damp, mould, noise, or pests.

  • Anxiety over financial losses caused by damage.

  • Depression due to living in an uncomfortable or unsafe home.

Our housing disrepair solicitors recognise the psychological impact of poor housing and ensure it is included in your housing disrepair compensation claim.

What Compensation Can Tenants Claim?

When you make a housing disrepair claim, compensation is usually calculated based on:

  1. General Damages – for inconvenience, discomfort, and the impact on your health and lifestyle.

  2. Special Damages – for financial losses, such as:

    • Increased heating bills.

    • Cost of replacing damaged belongings.

    • Medical expenses.

    • Loss of earnings (if your health issues prevented you from working).

At Housing Disrepair Claims, we ensure tenants receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

How to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim

Making a claim with the support of housing disrepair experts is straightforward:

  1. Report the issue to your landlord in writing.

  2. Collect evidence – take photos, keep medical notes, and save receipts.

  3. Contact Housing Disrepair Claims – we’ll review your case for free.

  4. Independent inspection arranged by our surveyors.

  5. Letter of Claim sent to your landlord by our solicitors.

  6. Negotiation or court action to secure compensation and repairs.

Our service is provided on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there’s no financial risk to you.

Why Choose Housing Disrepair Claims?

At Housing Disrepair Claims, we are proud to be among the best housing disrepair solicitors in the UK. Here’s why tenants trust us:

  • ✅ Specialist solicitors focused solely on housing disrepair.

  • ✅ Access to independent experts and surveyors.

  • ✅ Proven track record of winning cases nationwide.

  • ✅ Maximum compensation recovered for tenants.

  • ✅ No win, no fee service — no risk to you.

Our mission is simple: to fight for tenants’ rights and ensure landlords are held accountable.

Final Thoughts

The health risks of housing disrepair should never be underestimated. From damp and mould-related breathing problems to the dangers of unsafe electrics or the stress of pest infestations, no tenant should be forced to live in such conditions.

If your landlord has failed in their duty to provide safe accommodation, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair compensation claim.

At Housing Disrepair Claims, our dedicated team of housing disrepair solicitors and housing disrepair experts make the process simple, stress-free, and risk-free. We are committed to ensuring every tenant receives justice, urgent repairs, and fair compensation.

📞 Contact Housing Disrepair Claims today for your free consultation. Let us help you secure a healthier home and the compensation you deserve.