Shelter has just reared its head once again by stating that 20 per cent of private and social tenants across England are suffering ill health because of their ‘home’s’ poor conditions.

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The charity commissioned a YouGov poll and reports that the most common issues tenants had to suffer included damp and mould as well as unable to heat their home which affected 26 per cent of renters claims Shelter.

It also states  that 21 per cent of renters are finding it difficult to pay rent, 19 per cent are struggling with a fear of eviction as well as other concerns.

The poll highlights tenants having to contend with any of these problems are three times more likely to report their current accommodation is causing them health problems.

 The charity also held a separate poll of private tenants and states that 39 per cent of are “feeling stressed and anxious” because of their accommodation , 22 per cent are "physically sick” and 21 per cent said their housing issues “negatively affected their performance at work.”

Shelter’s chief executive, Polly Neate says: “The cost of poor housing is spilling out into overwhelmed GP surgeries, mental health services, and hours lost from work. The new Housing Secretary must get a grip on the housing crisis and tackle a major cause of ill health.

“Listening to the calls flooding into our helpline there is no doubt that health and housing go hand in hand. Yet, millions of renters are living in homes that make them sick because they are mouldy, cold, unaffordable and grossly insecure. The stress and suffering that comes with not knowing if you can pay your rent from month to month, or if you will face eviction is huge.