It’s no secret that humans need more than just a roof over their heads to be happy.

According to a report recently published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), stress is often caused by housing issues, such as overcrowding, lack of legal title to homes, and extreme indoor temperatures.

In the memo, the WHO cited studies suggesting that mental health problems could be significantly exacerbated by poor living conditions. The health agency states: "The quality and environmental context of housing are some of the main dimensions of environmental inequalities.

"Poor housing conditions are one of the mechanisms through which social and environmental inequality translates into health inequality, which further affects quality of life and well-being."

To combat against these housing-related stress factors, WHO recommended implementing strategies to make housing more affordable and accessible to disabled and impoverished persons.

The organisation also said homeowners and government administrators should take care to ensure that houses are better equipped with temperature and safety-regulating devices.