Families in Germany report their children develop skin conditions and respiratory issues linked to damp, mould-infested housing, according to a BBC investigation published April 23, 2026.
The report highlights cases where infants scratch incessantly due to eczema flare-ups, with parents attributing the outbreaks to persistent mould growth in rental properties. One mother described finding mouse droppings in kitchen drawers and a dead rodent behind her sofa, saying the unsanitary conditions worsened her anxiety and sense of insecurity.
Health impacts stem from prolonged exposure to indoor allergens
Medical experts note that chronic exposure to mould spores and dust mite allergens in poorly ventilated homes can trigger or exacerbate atopic dermatitis and asthma in children. The BBC found that affected families often lack the financial means to relocate or demand repairs, leaving them trapped in cycles of illness and temporary relief.
Tenants face systemic barriers to holding landlords accountable
German rental law requires landlords to maintain habitable living conditions, but enforcement relies on tenants initiating legal action — a process many avoid due to fear of retaliation or costly proceedings. Local health offices confirm receiving increased complaints about housing quality, yet cite limited authority to compel renovations without clear evidence of imminent danger.
Policy gaps depart vulnerable households without timely intervention
While some municipalities offer subsidies for mould remediation, access is often delayed by bureaucratic hurdles and means-testing criteria that exclude low-income families just above the threshold. Advocacy groups argue that preventive inspections — standard in countries like Sweden and the Netherlands — remain rare in Germany, allowing hazards to escalate before intervention occurs.
What health conditions are children developing in these homes?
Children are experiencing eczema, persistent skin scratching, and respiratory irritation, which parents link to mould and pest infestations in their living spaces.
Why can’t families simply move out or demand repairs?
Many lack the financial resources to relocate, and fear retaliation or legal costs when requesting repairs from landlords, despite legal obligations under German tenancy law.
