My baby scratches and scratches: Families say their homes are making their children sick

Nestere Yehdego and his wife, along with their two daughters, live in a one-bedroom flat in Slough. The cramped space has created challenges for their family, according to Yehdego, who is 31. He notes that the younger child frequently disturbs the older one’s sleep by crying or making noise, leading to concerns about the child’s fatigue as she prepares for school next year.

Yehdego is among 135,000 families, including nearly 176,000 children, currently in temporary housing across England. This represents the highest number recorded. A report by the cross-party Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee highlights that some of these properties are “unfit for human habitation.” The committee advocates for updated overcrowding laws and mandatory inspections to ensure homes are safe and free from dangers.

“The younger one has some kind of allergy, a rash on her face, and she scratches and scratches. When I went to the GP, they asked if we kept any pets. I said no, and they said it was coming from the house,” Yehdego explains.

Yehdego’s family moved to this flat two years ago after being relocated from east London by Newham Council. They’ve faced issues like mould and damp, which he claims have triggered skin problems in his baby. The council’s representative states that Newham, like other parts of London, struggles with a housing crisis where demand exceeds supply. While efforts are made to place residents within the borough, temporary accommodation outside is sometimes necessary. The spokesperson adds that individual cases are not commented on, but investigations are prioritized.

Alicia Samuels: A child’s health under threat

Alicia Samuels, 40, shares her experience of temporary housing affecting her six-year-old son, Aeon. He developed serious hearing issues and sleep apnoea, which Samuels attributes to the “gross” condition of their one-bed flat in Tower Hamlets. The property was recently infested with mice and covered in mould, leading to her mental health decline due to a sense of insecurity.

“He ended up temporarily deaf in one ear because of the mould and damp and drafts. It’s affected him a lot—he’s going to these hospital and doctor’s appointments, and a lot of it’s based on our living situation. He wasn’t born with these conditions,” Samuels says.

Samuels was homeless during her pregnancy in 2019 and has lived in five temporary homes since. Her son has never had a permanent home. The landlord sent a pest control team to address the mouse infestation, but the conditions remain a concern. The council’s representative notes that Alicia’s case is “not untypical,” and adds that their current flat was found to be suitable after inspection.

Sarah Elliott, chief executive of Shelter, emphasizes the ongoing challenges with temporary accommodation. The housing committee also calls for Awaab’s Law to be fully implemented. This law, effective since 2025, requires social landlords to address hazards like damp and mould within 24 hours. It was inspired by Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old who died from a respiratory condition linked to prolonged exposure in his parents’ social home.