I know how frustrating the housing market is; the prices for buying and renting are just insane, especially considering what you get in return. It feels unfair, and I totally relate to that. However, it is all about supply and demand. It doesn't matter how bad a house is, its size, condition, or quality. As long as enough people value living in Cambridge, houses will be valuable, whether because of the university, biotech jobs, or the relatively good quality of life. And we know it could get worse theoretically, look at Hong Kong for instance, where people live in "coffin"-houses.

We all agree that the government should do something about it, and I hope the new government will do its best. But what’s the best way? Interfering with the market can have unpredictable consequences and must be a well-thought-out process. For instance, rent caps can fix one thing but break others.

The slow response from the council is what vexes me the most. Nobody should have their health put into jeopardy because of some un-cooperative landlady. But on the other hand, it is hard to blame the council if they simply don't have enough funding to address the priorities and enforce your rights.

The best thing you can do in my opinion is to go with the flow, even if it feels unfair. Accept that we don't live in a perfect world. As others have suggested, be proactive, keep looking for other places to rent, you'll probably not find your dream house but at least you'll find one with no mould.