Unsuitable housing conditions

Living in poor housing conditions, or in a place that doesn’t suit your needs, can have a serious effect on both your physical and mental health.

If your housing is in poor repair, or has a problem such as damp, and you are a tenant, your tenancy agreement will set out who is responsible for repairs. But generally, your landlord will be responsible for structural repairs and you will be responsible for looking after the property and avoiding causing damage. You can find out more on Shelter's website about responsibilities in social housing (council and housing association properties) here and in private lets here. You should let your landlord know about any problems – in writing – as soon as possible.

If your housing is in serious disrepair, moving may be the best option. You can find out more about how to go about this here.

Your housing may have become unsuitable, not because of its condition, but because your health means you can no longer manage in it. In some cases, adaptations made to your home, or some support for you, might solve the problem. In other cases, you might need to think about moving somewhere more suitable or with more support available. The social services department of your local authority can do a needs assessment and help you think about your options. You can find out more about what these might be on Shelter’s website.

THT also provides a housing and community care advice service; find out more here.