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.
What is a Rent Repayment Order?
A Rent Repayment Order (RRO) is a financial penalty. It can be imposed upon a landlord who manages or lets a property which is not licensed.
An application may be made to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an order if the landlord has been convicted of the offence of operating a licensed property without a licence or the local authority is satisfied the offence has been committed (even though the landlord has not been prosecuted for offence). Read information about rent repayment orders from GOV.UK.
The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) may make an order if it is satisfied that the landlord has been convicted of the offence or that he has committed it.
The local authority may apply for an order where housing benefit has been paid to that landlord during any period when such an offence was being committed. Different rules apply to decisions in respect of those applications depending on whether the landlord has been convicted of the offence.
Occupiers (including former occupiers) are permitted to make an application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a repayment order. This applies where an order has already been granted to a local authority, for the same property or if the landlord has been convicted of the offence. Any order made in favour of an occupier cannot relate to any sums paid by means of Housing Benefit. Any sum ordered to be paid is recoverable as an ordinary civil debt.