The Council has responsibility for all aspects of private sector housing enforcement through the application of the principal Housing Acts and related legislation. To inform our approach to this work we commission regular stock condition surveys that provide a wealth of data about the dwellings within the District and help to guide our future housing policies (for more information on stock condition please see the document on the right).

The enforcement work is carried out by a small team of specialist Environmental Health Officers who can offer advice, inspection and enforcement services usually, but not exclusively, in relation to privately rented housing.  These services include housing conditions, houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), caravan site licensing, illegal eviction and harassment by landlords or their agents.

The Housing Act 2004 introduced enforcement reforms designed to further safeguard tenants and to bring empty properties back into use, notably:

• The Housing Health & Safety Rating System  (for more information please see the link on the left)

This new system was introduced to provide greater protection for tenants and visitors against potential harm from the type of hazards that are likely to be found in rented properties.

• Mandatory Licensing of HMOs (for more information please see the link on the left.)

(A high risk HMO is defined as a house with 3 storeys or more, with 5 or more occupants making 2 or more households.)

• Empty Dwelling Management Orders

These new powers are for use in limited circumstances as a last resort to take over the management of properties from failing landlords.

If you have any questions about private sector housing enforcement please ring Environmental Health on 01480 388302