A SHOCKING 7,300 private homes in the Kirklees area are unfit to live in, according to a council report.
Another 8,000 are in significant disrepair.
Council officers are calling for action to help homeowners get their properties in good shape.
The poor state of homes in the private sector was being discussed at the Kirklees Council Cabinet Committee on education and people services, where four councillors can vote.
The worst areas have been pinpointed as Crosland Moor, Birkby, Thornhill and Dewsbury West.
Many of the properties are said to be occupied by the elderly or those living on benefits - people too poor to pay for repairs.
The council says its statistics are based on private sector housing stock condition and housing market research surveys in recent years.
Experts behind the figures said whole areas would deteriorate if help was not given.
Their report warned: "If these neighbourhoods continue to deteriorate, blight will extend to neighbouring streets and lead to more extensive and more serious problems."
The bill for putting homes right is estimated at £100m.
A strategy of going for Government regeneration grants is being proposed. This would be coupled with stepped-up advice on repairs and maintenance.
One scheme has already been launched to encourage private landlords to keep their properties in good order.
Most houses in Kirklees are privately-owned - with 70% owner-occupied and 8.1% lived in by tenants. About 11% of the private homes are labelled unfit or in need of urgent repairs.
