Food bank workers: referring clients with housing problems

Food bank staff and volunteers regularly meet people in severe financial hardship, and housing problems are often a part of that picture. Cold, damp, or unsafe housing can make food insecurity worse, and can lead to health consequences that compound the difficulties people are already facing. Here is how to help clients who may have housing disrepair problems.

Why housing problems often come alongside food bank use

People using food banks are often managing multiple crises at once. Housing insecurity, disrepair, and fuel poverty frequently sit alongside income shocks, benefit delays, or family breakdown. Signs you might notice during interactions with clients include:

• Complaints about cold or damp in their home
• Skin or respiratory problems that might be linked to mould
• Children who are unwell in ways that could be associated with poor living conditions
• Homelessness or unstable accommodation
• Difficulty affording both food and heating (the "heat or eat" dilemma)

What is housing disrepair?

Housing disrepair means a landlord in the private rented sector has failed to keep the property in good repair as required by law. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to maintain the structure, exterior, heating, hot water, and drainage of privately rented homes. If these have failed and the landlord has been told but has not acted, the tenant may have a legal claim, including the right to compensation.

Common disrepair problems include:

• Mould and damp caused by structural faults
• Broken or unreliable heating
• Leaking roofs or pipes
• Structural damage such as unsafe floors or stairs

How to refer a client

Signpost to Support for Tenants. If the client is in a privately rented home and the landlord has failed to carry out repairs, Support for Tenants can assess the case on a no-win, no-fee basis. The number is 0800 030 4669. You can make a note of the number for the client or help them make the call if they would like support.

Suggest environmental health. If there is an urgent hazard, no heating in cold weather, structural danger, pest infestation, the client can contact their local council's environmental health or housing standards team. These officers can inspect and require the landlord to act.

Signpost to wider advice. Citizens Advice and Shelter can help with a range of housing issues, including rent arrears, tenancy rights, and homelessness. Local law centres may be able to provide free legal advice.

Sensitivity and safeguarding

Many people using food banks are in vulnerable situations and may be reluctant to talk about their housing. Approach the subject gently and without pressure. Let the client decide whether they want a referral. Be aware of safeguarding considerations if you are concerned about the welfare of children or vulnerable adults in the household.

What Support for Tenants can do

Support for Tenants handles housing disrepair claims for people in privately rented homes. No-win, no-fee, there is no financial risk to the client.

Call: 0800 030 4669

Sources

• Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)

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