Housing standards

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is a risk assessment tool used to assess potential risks to the health and safety of occupants in residential properties in England and Wales. The legislation came into effect in England on 6 April 2006 the assessment method focuses on the hazards that are present in housing. It applies to both rented and owner occupied properties.

Use the following link for further information visit the Communities and Local Government website.
 
The Private Sector Housing Team works to make sure that your privately rented property is safe, well maintained and a healthy place to live. The team provide advice and assistance to both tenants and landlords to make sure the property meets the correct standards and complies with relevant legislation. Where standards are not maintained we have powers of enforcement to ensure that works are carried out.
 
Disrepair – people living in private rented accommodation can often have problems with disrepair and many landlords and tenants are unaware of their obligations. We can investigate and take appropriate action to get the repairs completed.
 
Advice for Damp and Mould - for more information please see Damp and Mould
 
Overcrowding – if you think your property is overcrowded we can provide advice, and if necessary, take action to make sure the property meets the right standards.
 
Multiple occupation – fire safety and overcrowding can often be a problem if you live in a property that is shared by more than one family. If you have concerns in these areas please contact us.
The 2004 Housing Act introduces licensing of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO’s).  Use the following link for further information on Property Licensing
 
Gas Safety - The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 makes it mandatory to have all gas appliances maintained in a safe condition at all times. Landlord must ensure all appliances are maintained and annual safety checks are carried out by a registered Gas Safe engineer. Further information can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords/index.htm
 

Nuisance – the Environmental Protection Team deal with noise and other nuisance problems such as commercial bonfires. Use the link Environmental Protection to go to this part of the website to find information on this and other environmental issues.

 
Bonfires - The Private Sector Housing Team will deal with complaints about domestic bonfires. Bonfires are discouraged, as there is provision for recycling domestic and garden waste by collection or at the Household Recycling centres. Please click here to visit the Bonfires & Burning page for more information.  
 
For more information please see Bonfire and Smoke Nuisance leaflet
 
Empty Properties - If you are affected by an empty home or you own an empty property that you want to bring back into use, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team for advice.
 
Please see Empty Property Service leaflet for more information.
 
Enforcement Policy and Procedures
 
Much of the work we do is ensuring that people (whether landlords or tenants) are complying with legislation. Where someone is not complying with the legislation we have a duty to take action – this is called enforcement.
 
The council has written an enforcement policy to ensure that all enforcement work is carried out in a fair, practical and consistent manner.
 
For more information on the full policy please see Enforcement Policy 
 
Landlord and Tenant Information
 
A copy of the latest Landlord Handbook produced by ANUK and LACORS can be downloaded from  http://www.anuk.org.uk/News/landlordhandbook.asp
 
Additional information can also be found on the Housing Advice Service page
 
If you are a landlord or thinking of becoming a landlord and would like advice on housing standards for rented accommodation contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01594 812420.
 
If you are a tenant and are concerned about the standard of your accommodation, please see the complaints procedure below or alternatively contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01594 812420.
 
Advice on how to use energy more efficiently, choose suppliers and tariffs best suited to their needs and minimise problems with dampness and condensation in homes. For more information please see SWEA website.
 
 

Housing Improvements

 
We provide advice and assistance to homeowners to help them repair and maintain their homes to the Decent Homes Standard (subject to available resources).
 
 
Decent homes not only improve quality of life for the household but also enhance the area and ensure that good quality housing is available for future generations.  For a dwelling to be 'decent' it must:
 
  • Be free of serious hazards
  • Be in a reasonable state of repair
  • Have reasonably modern facilities and services
  • Provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort

 For more information see the Housing Assistance page or contact Private Sector Housing.

Contact Us

For further information and advice regarding Housing Standards, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01594 812420 or by email