Huntingdonshire district council

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Landlord And Tenant


Landlord and Tenant Law

This can be complicated.  The links on the right will direct you to booklets that will tell you what your rights and responsibilities are as a landlord or a tenant.

The rules you need to follow will be different for different kinds of tenancies.  If you are not sure what kind of tenancy you have, click on the first linked document on the right - "What kind of tenancy do you have?"

Unfitness and Disrepair

Environmental Health Services can take action to remedy houses which are overcrowded, unfit for human habitation, in serious disrepair or where services such as gas or electricity have been, or are about to be, cut off.  However, you should always attempt to resolve the matter with your landlord first.

Housing Act 2004 Part 1

A new way to assess the condition of homes in England & Wales is to be implemented on 6th April 2006 (see below)

Housing Fitness Standard (existing requirements)

Requirements of Section 604

A dwelling house should

  1. be free from serious disrepair
  2. be structurally stable
  3. be free from dampness prejudicial to the health of the occupants
  4. have adequate provision for lighting, heating and ventilation
  5. have an adequate piped supply of wholesome water
  6. have an effective system for the drainage of foul, waste and surface water
  7. have a suitably located WC for exclusive use of the occupants
  8. have a bath or shower and wash hand basin, with hot and cold water
  9. have satisfactory facilities for the preparation and cooking of food including a sink with hot and cold water

Housing Health and Safety Rating System (new requirements)

The Hazard Profiles

Hygrothermal Conditions

  1. Damp and mould growth
  2. Excess cold
  3. Excess heat

Pollutants (non-microbial)

  1. Asbestos (and MMF)
  2. Biocides
  3. Carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products
  4. Lead
  5. Radiation
  6. Uncombusted fuel gas
  7. Volatile organic compounds

Space, Security, Light and Noise

  1. Crowding and space
  2. Entry by intruders
  3. Lighting
  4. Noise

Protection Against Infection

  1. Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
  2. Food safety
  3. Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
  4. Water supply for domestic purposes

Protection Against Accidents

Falls

  1. Falls associated with baths etc
  2. Falls on the level
  3. Falls associated with stairs and steps
  4. Falls between levels

Electric Shocks, Fires, Burns and Scalds

  1. Electrical hazards
  2. Fire
  3. Hot surfaces and materials

Collisions, Cuts and Strains

  1. Collision and entrapment
  2. Explosions
  3. Ergonomics
  4. Structural collapse and failing elements

For further information please use the external link on the right or contact our Private Sector Housing Manager on (01480) 388237 for details about our Landlords Forums.