Health Hazards in UK Social Housing

All tenants deserve safe, decent homes – but many social housing properties have hidden dangers that threaten residents’ health. Common hazards include damp and mould, asbestos, structural defects, and pest infestations. Each of these creates real health risks. For example, damp and mould growth (as in the image below) is widespread – an estimated 2 million people in England live in homes with significant damp or mould[1] – and it aggravates asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses. Prolonged exposure can trigger infections or allergy symptoms, especially in young children[2][3].

Damp and Mould: In many ageing buildings, leaks or poor insulation let moisture settle on walls and ceilings. This promotes mould spores that worsen asthma and other respiratory problems[2][3]. Social landlords must treat the cause (repair leaks, improve ventilation) and remove mould promptly, as required by law.

• Asbestos. Many older social housing blocks still contain asbestos insulation or cladding. Asbestos fibers, if disturbed, can lodge in lungs and cause fatal diseases decades later (asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma)[4]. In fact, about 3,500 people die each year in the UK from asbestos-related cancers[5]. Landlords have a legal duty to manage asbestos risks (surveys, warnings and safe removal) and tenants can take action if this duty is neglected[4][5].
• Structural defects. Cracks in walls, rotting roofs, unstable floors or faulty stairs create obvious safety risks – a collapsing ceiling or fall hazard can injure residents. They also let in water and pests, leading to further damage. Housing law treats major structural failings as Category 1 hazards (imminent risk) that must be fixed without delay.
• Pest infestations. Vermin like rats, mice or cockroaches often signal poor building fabric (holes or gaps) or hygiene problems. These pests can spread disease and allergens. Shelter notes that infestations “can spread disease or present a risk to health” and pests can bite, sting, carry bacteria and trigger allergies[6][7]. For example, rodents may spread leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) or hantaviruses, while cockroach droppings can worsen asthma. Landlords must deal with pest problems and repair the holes or damp conditions that attract them.

Health Impacts on Residents

Living with such hazards has real human costs, especially for vulnerable groups. Children are acutely affected: research shows kids in damp homes are nearly three times more likely to have breathing problems[3], and one study estimated almost 20% of infant respiratory admissions could be prevented by damp-free housing[3]. A cold, damp home also undermines development and wellbeing – the Royal College of Paediatrics notes that poor housing leads to higher asthma, infection and even mental health problems in children[8]. Likewise, elderly or disabled tenants with pre-existing conditions (e.g. COPD, heart disease, weakened immunity) suffer more in unfit homes. Damp, mould and dust mites can severely aggravate asthma and bronchitis in older adults. Asbestos exposure is a lurking threat to anyone (especially past exposure in old housing) since diseases like mesothelioma may only appear decades later. Even mental health suffers: the Marmot Review concluded that “poor-quality housing harms health,” linking cold, damp or overcrowded homes to stress, anxiety and depression[9]. Overall, treating illnesses caused by bad housing costs the NHS £1.4 billion a year in England[10].

No one should live in housing where mould worsens asthma or where asbestos fibers lurk unseen. Children, older people and tenants with disabilities or chronic illnesses are especially at risk from these hazards. Clear evidence (and tragic cases like Awaab’s) show that timely repairs and safe conditions are a matter of life and health.

At EFAM Air, we have processes in place that means we can assess the situation, report timely and accurately with social housing providers. Keep your tenants safe and comfortable.

Contact EFAM Air for a free communal ventilation audit today.