Single family dwellings
The Housing Act 2004 gives local authorities the power to require the landlords of properties to carry out repairs and housing improvements where a risk to the health of the occupier has been identified by housing inspectors.
My property is in disrepair what can I do?
You should contact the private sector housing team to discuss the nature of the problem. Once an enquiry has been received then a housing inspector will advise you whether the problem falls within their remit. Where a problem does not fall within the remit of the housing inspector, they will try and offer advice on what steps can be taken and by whom.
What can the council do?
If the housing inspector is satisfied that they can be of assistance, they will usually arrange an appointment to visit your home and carry out an inspection. Unfortunately, such inspections can only be carried out during normal office hours 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. During the inspection, the inspector may need access to all parts of the property, including the garden where appropriate.
In many cases disrepair issues can be resolved by informal contact, such as a letter or telephone call to the person responsible for maintaining the property. If however, the informal approach fails, then the council may "serve a notice" which requires work specified by the inspector to be carried out within a timescale set by the council.
Failure to comply with the terms of a notice is a criminal offence and the council may prosecute those who fail to comply.
Will the council re-house me whilst the repairs are being carried out?
No, having a home in disrepair is not seen as grounds for re-housing and the councils objective is to improve the housing stock rather than moving people. For this reason, the council will always seek to have repairs carried out so that the occupiers can continue to live in the property.
What should I do now?
If you feel that your home is in disrepair please contact the private sector team to discuss this further.