Structural integrity of the house

When you are assessing if a client's current accommodation is adequate, you must consider the structural integrity or the physical condition of the current house and the associated health and safety risks. The degree of the inadequacies and the effect they are having on the quality of life of the occupants needs to be assessed.

Note this does not apply to clients who are assessed as 'not living in any accommodation'  or who are living in emergency accommodation for the time being. These clients have already been rated as 'at risk' (4) for adequacy.

Some factors to consider are:

• Is the current house condemned?
• Can vermin enter and breed because of the condition of the house which can cause a health risk? There must be a serious infestation outside the client's control.
• Can the occupants exit the property safely in an emergency? For example, if the doors and windows cannot open, the occupants may be trapped in the event of a fire, intruder or family violence.
• Is the condition of the house causing excessive draughts making heating impossible? Note if there is one living room that can retain heat the house is considered adequate.
• Is the roof leaking and to what extent? Leaking roofs can present problems of dripping water and dampness but over time can also result in more substantial damage, for example, collapsed ceiling.
• Do cracked, broken or overflowing drains present a health risk? Is the private landlord reluctant to complete adequate repairs?
• Are there any other structures on the property that may present a risk to the occupants? For example, the shed or garage may be structurally unsound and could fall on the occupants.