Housing Enforcement

The overall aim of housing enforcement is to improve the living conditions and home environment within the district.  The housing renewal team will do this wherever possible by consulting with and encouraging improvements from housing providers.

However in cases where an informal approach either does not work or the situation is too critical to allow delay, the team will take the appropriate enforcement action.

About this service

Landlord Information

If you are a landlord, you have a legal duty to your tenants to keep your properties in good repair.

Minimum standard of house condition

All landlords must make sure that their properties are safe and fit to live in.  The condition of a property should not seriously affect the health and safety of your tenants.  The Housing Health and Safety Rating System applies to all properties.  The landlord is responsible for the provision, state and proper working order of the following:

• The exterior and structural elements of the dwelling

• The installations within the associated with the dwelling

• The supply and use of water, gas and electricity

• Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage

• Food safety

• Ventilation

• Space heating

• Heating water

Some frequently asked questions

What do I do if I have repairs needed in rented accommodation?

First contact the housing provider (landlord, letting agent, housing association) to inform them of the repairs needed to the property.  Your tenancy agreement should have a number of who to contact for repairs.  Allow a reasonable time to inspect and organise the repair.

If no repairs have been carried out, report the repairs to the housing renewal team.  An appointment will be made at a mutually convenient time for an inspection to be carried out.

What will Housing Renewal officer do next?

Contact will be made to the housing provider as quickly and reasonably practical informing them of the works required this may be by telephone, in the first instance and will always be confirmed in writing.

The officer will set out the nature of any remedial action required and give a specified timescale for work to be carried out.

Before any formal enforcement action is considered the officer will provide an opportunity to discuss the circumstances of the case and resolve points of difference unless it is deemed that immediate action is required.