Housing standards

Private rented housing must be maintained by the landlord to a good standard of repair and be free from unnecessary and avoidable hazards. Please refer to the landlords guide to property standards and Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - landlord guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

The most common hazards in the home, out of the list of a possible 29, are a lack of smoke alarms, lack of handrails, damp and mould and excess cold.

If you become aware of a hazard and have reported it to the landlord, ideally in writing/text so you have proof, but no further action has been taken within a reasonable time, please contact our Environmental Health Team.

You can use the online form to report unsatisfactory private rented housing conditions.

Here is a useful private tenants housing fact sheet and a useful How to Rent guide

Also the landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities in the private rented sector is a useful document dated April 2019

An inspection and an assessment will then be carried out on the whole property after we have contacted the landlord/managing agent.

The inspection concentrates on the threats to personal health and safety and not on matters of quality or convenience i.e. decoration or workmanship.

Following an inspection, if necessary, the Environmental Health Officer will contact the landlord requiring action to be taken.

Please note: The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (England) Regulations 2015 require the Council to prepare and publish a statement of principles and we must follow this document when deciding on the amount of a penalty charge.