Crumbling walls and poor plaster work have plagued Craig and Kelly Waterworth since they moved in to Fee Terrace, Ryhope, Sunderland, in March.

The couple have two children, two-year-old Adam and five-month-old Toby, who they say are also affected by the state of the house.

Kelly, 21, said: "The walls are dropping to bits and it's really hard getting the boys ready in the morning because we're still living out of suitcases and can't use the third bedroom."

The Waterworths' problems began when they moved into the house and took the wallpaper down to decorate.

Craig, 27, said: "The house looked OK when we moved in, but as soon as we took the wallpaper off the plasterwork began to crumble."

This included a large piece of plaster, which came off in the nursery room.

Craig said: "We were about to move Toby into the third bedroom, but thank God we didn't because a huge piece came off and landed right where his cot would have been.

"Because of the stress of the house I was given sleeping pills by the doctor which meant I couldn't carry on with my job as a bus driver because I feel so woozy every day."

With Craig out of work, the Waterworths face eviction as they are nearly £500 behind with the rent.

Ian Porter, managing director of gentoo Sunderland, said: "A routine inspection was carried out at Mr Waterworth's home on Friday, August 8, by a repairs manager to assess previous plaster work and there was no problem with the plaster.

"On Monday, August 11, Mr Waterworth advised us that plaster around his window had cracked and a further visit was made immediately.

"An appointment was given and all repair work was completed to Mr Waterworth's property on August 13, well within our repair target times. Mr Waterworth is satisfied with the work that has been carried out."

But Craig disagreed: "They did come out, but they haven't done half the work they said they would. I signed a paper to confirm the workman had been out, but not to say I was happy with the work done.

"Gentoo keep coming out and saying the house is fine but we've lost trust in their repairs because they just keep patching things up."