As of the end of 2020, approximately 37 percent of the 3.9 million residential buildings in Cuba were classified as being in an undesirable state, according to official figures. In Havana's old town, the condition of colonial townhouses poses risks to residents, with reports of structural collapses. For example, a storm recently caused a staircase to collapse in a tenement building, leaving a family stranded on the third floor. The fire service was required to assist in evacuating a 97-year-old grandmother from the building.
Many families have been displaced from unsafe buildings, with some living in temporary accommodations such as a boxing gym. The national housing deficit in Cuba is reported to exceed 900,000 units, and the ongoing economic challenges, exacerbated by a U.S.-imposed fuel blockade, hinder repair efforts. Residents express frustration over the lack of government support and resources for maintaining their homes. The Office of the City Historian noted that between 2000 and 2013, nearly 3,856 buildings collapsed in Havana, highlighting the urgent need for intervention in the preservation of the city’s historic architecture.
Despite some restoration efforts linked to tourism, many buildings remain in disrepair, with residents voicing concerns about health and safety due to inadequate living conditions. The situation reflects broader economic struggles faced by the country and raises questions about the government's role in addressing these issues.