What we strive to do
Our Private Sector Housing team is responsible for ensuring people and businesses comply with housing standard and legislation. They check the conditions of private rented accommodations, with the goal to:
- Improve private sector housing conditions,
- Promote healthy and safe housing,
- Increase public awareness of private sector housing enforcement and regulations, and
- Show that our actions are open, fair, and transparent in the way we of do things.
For a full explanation of our responsibilities and functions, please view our Housing Enforcement Policy.
Why we do it
The Housing, Health, and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assists local authorities in targeting properties in the worst condition, often housing some of the most vulnerable people.
Under this system, action by authorities is based on a three-stage consideration:
- the hazard rating determined under HHSRS,
- whether the authority has a duty or power to act, determined by the presence of a hazard above or below a threshold prescribed by Regulations [Category 1 and Category 2 hazards], and
- the authority's judgement as to the most appropriate course of action to deal with the hazard.
The law contains enforcement options which are available to local authorities. The choice of the appropriate course of action is for the authority to decide, having regard to statutory enforcement guidance.
There are 29 hazard groups under the HHSRS. These include:
- the control of damp and mould growth
- ensure there is no overcrowding
- free from excessively cold conditions
- making sure kitchens, bathrooms and toilet facilities are suitable and hazard free
- factors such as domestic hygiene, sanitation and drainage, and that housing fire safety standards are met, and homes are free of significant trip and fall hazards.
Download the Housing Health and Safety Rating System from GOV.UK.
Meeting Energy Efficiency Standards
Minimum energy efficiency levels for homes in the private rented sector are defined in legislation. They are called the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations.
Landlords are not permitted to rent out properties with energy efficiency ratings of F or G unless they have a valid exemption. Those breaching the regulations can face a financial penalty up to £5,000 per property.
The regulations apply to all domestic private rented properties that are:
- let on specific types of tenancy agreement
- legally required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Our policy
Read our minimum Energy Efficiency Standards policy to find out when and how we will use our enforcement powers.
Registering for exemption
Landlords who would need to spend more than £3,500 to improve their property to an EPC rating of at least E, should make all the improvements they can, then register an exemption on the PRS exemptions register.
Read GOV.UK's guidance on PRS exemptions and Exemptions Register evidence requirements.
Advice for tenants
If you rent your home, your landlord or letting agent must supply you with its EPC. If the current energy efficiency EPC rating is F or G, contact your landlord and request improvements.
If no improvements are made, please contact Private Sector Housing on 01474 337960 or email private.housing@gravesham.gov.uk.