A mum-of-four says she no longer feels safe in her own home as she claims it is on the verge of collapsing.
Amy Wilson moved into her house on Beamish Gardens, Wreckenton , in April but says it is plagued by a long list of issues.
But a spokesman for the Gateshead Housing Company , who she rents the property from, said the end of her ordeal could be in sight with workers due to start repairs next week.
Amy said that in July the lintel above her front door collapsed and almost fell on her 18-year-old son Steven, and she hasn't had a front door since.
"It collapsed and came centimetres away from falling on his head," said Amy.
"If it had been me I would have been coming out the door with my pram."
Amy said that her 15-year-old daughter Sophie suffers from asthma, while four-year-old Alman and six-month-old Nikki both have bad colds.
The mum also claims there are cracks throughout the property and fears that it may not be safe to live in.
She said: "It needs proper structural investigation, not just slapping plaster on. I think there's something not right in the building I don't think it is safe."
Amy continued: "I haven't got a front door and it is currently boarded up but it is letting the draft in, I can't keep my house warm.
"I've got kids off school sick and I'm having to spend £70 a week on gas. I'm putting on £15 every couple of days.
"I know there are bugs going round and they need to get home and warm, but you can't keep them warm."
Amy said that her living situation is also impacting her mental health.
She added: "I want to get the home nice for Christmas. I have depression and I used to be on medication but I came off it.
"I can feel myself getting back down to where I was."
A spokesman for Gateshead Housing Company said that a structural engineer would ensure the repairs to the property are carried out safely.
He said: "We are aware of the repairs and have been working with Ms Wilson.
"The repair work required the involvement of a structural engineer in order to ensure that the repair is both safe and addresses the issue.
"We have spoken to Ms Wilson to apologise for the delays and have agreed a start date of next week to commence the works."
