The COVID-19 Lockdown and the Impact of Poor-Quality Housing on Occupants in the UK

This chapter focuses on how housing inequalities have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It draws on interviews with households living in poor-quality housing and investigates how pre-existing housing conditions amplify residents' experiences of that housing. It also covers physical characteristics of dwellings, such as damp and heating problems, and social aspects that include dealing with landlords and not enough space. The chapter highlights mental health challenges that are amplified by poor-quality housing, which are largely caused by people spending most of their time at home with substandard conditions that are ever-present in their lives. It highlights key findings from the new rapid empirical research undertaken within the UK, presenting the concerns, impacts, and lived experiences of both residents and professionals dealing with poor-quality housing.