HOUSING DISREPAIR LEADS RESPIRATORY ISSUES AND ALLERGIES? HERE IS SOMETHING YOU NEED TO READ.
Housing Disrepair: Claims for Emotional Distress, Discomfort and Inconvenience
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Mental and Physical Health Problems Caused by Housing Disrepair
Whoever you rent from must ensure that your residence is risk-free for your physical and mental health. Additionally, your outside space and communal parts must be according to the law. On Shelter’s website, you can read about typical health issues caused by housing disrepair and how it endangers your health and safety.
Your property must also fulfil the government’s “Decent Homes Standard” if you rent from the council or a housing association or reside in sheltered or supported housing. Housing disrepair includes dampness, mould, bugs, defective central heating, structural issues, gas leaks, and electrical and sanitation issues.
Mental Health Issues Caused by Housing Disrepair
They say, “your home should be your sanctuary.” Thus, your home should provide solace from the rigours of daily life. Unfortunately, the opposite is true for far too many people. If you rent a property unfit for habitation, one of your rights as a tenant is to be informed of any potential problems that can develop when you reside in it.
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) has identified the following mental health issues caused due to neglected property damage:
1. Emotional Distress
Any psychological distress experienced by being a victim of a careless house owner is referred to as emotional distress. For example, your landlord’s willful or accidental refusal to make your home habitable might cause emotional distress.
Thus, if a landlord neglects his responsibilities and puts tenants in substandard housing, the damages brought on by disrepair may result in emotional distress. If your home is in disrepair, you might be experiencing emotional anxiety because of having trouble sleeping, sobbing, stressing out, paying attention, or feeling overburdened. It can even lead to low self-esteem.
2. Discomfort and Inconvenience
Approximately 14 million individuals reside in subpar housing, and 5% of adults say that housing concerns have negatively impacted their physical or mental health, reports National Institute of Health, NHS.
However, the public’s awareness of mental health issues is significantly greater nowadays. So, it is no longer acceptable to tell someone to “get themselves together.” You no longer have to grin and bear it if you are trapped in a housing condition that makes you sick.
A growing awareness of the value of good mental health has made it possible for government agencies and the legal system to comprehend these problems better and provide assistance to those living in inadequate homes.
3. Anxiety and Depression
The risk of depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems rises due to poor housing conditions. A contributing factor is an overcrowded and very little room. The other reasons are a lack of natural light and noise pollution.
These deteriorating problems may result in intestine and stomach illnesses. Subpar building work, poor design, ineffective waste disposal, bug infestation, and unclean food preparation and storage areas majorly contribute to depression. Smoke, lead exposure, and high carbon monoxide levels are home maintenance issues that can poison you. Your health can suffer significantly from lead poisoning, which can cause neurological and mental health concerns.
