The Private Sector Housing section of the Environmental Health Department carries out inspections of privately rented properties to ensure that they meet acceptable standards. All types of rented property may be subject to inspection including self-contained flats, single houses and houses in multiple occupation.

Exhibiting  neglect in the safety of the property>Disrepair - guttering

The Enforcement officer will carry out an inspection of the property using the 'Housing Health & Safety Rating System' (HHSRS), to evaluate the potential risks to health and safety from any deficiencies identified. The officer will then consider the best course of action to remedy the defects identified, given the range of actions available to the Local Council Enforcement Officers under the Housing Act 2004. Find out more about HHSRS

What sort of problems do they deal with?

  • Leaking roofs and dampness 
  • General disrepair issues 
  • Dangerous electrical installations 
  • Dangerous / unstable structures 
  • Empty or derelict properties 
  • Filthy and verminous properties 
  • Overcrowding 
  • Fire hazards in Houses in Multiple Occupation 
  • Home safety

Disrepair in Private Sector Rented Accommodation

A landlord has a duty to ensure that accommodation is free from deficiencies which may pose a risk to the health and safety of the occupants. Generally, the Landlord is responsible for the providing the following, which should be maintained in a state of good repair/proper working order:- The exterior and structural elements of the property, and

  • Installations within the property for:-
    • the supply and use of gas,water or electricity
    • personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
    • food safety
    • ventilation
    • space heating
    • heating water

If your tenant identifies a defect in their home, and they contact you in writing and try to negotiate the repair work without involving the Environmental Health department of the local council. As long as a compromise to the repairs or improvements is reached and concluded mutually, then no more action is needed.

If you fail to respond as the landlord within a reasonable period of time, and the tenant makes contact with the enforcement officer in the Environmental Health dept of the local council then the enforcement officer, after trying to deal with you can't come to a satisfactory conclusion, as one of his options can apply to the court to take control of the property / tenacy and put into action the required repairs.

So Beware you can lose your property and involve yourself in an expensive court case to get it back!