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Private sector housing

Private rented accommodation

The Council encourages, and in some cases enforces, the provision of adequate, good standard private housing.

The Council seeks to ensure that privately rented accommodation is of a good standard and meets the minimum legal criteria laid down by the Housing Act 2004

If private tenants contact the Council with concerns about their home, their property will be inspected. Advice will be given but landlords may be required to carry out repairs and improvements within a specified timescale. Any landlord seeking advice on the standards to be met to allow properties to be rented can email the Council at envhealth@broxbourne.gov.uk or telephone 01992 785511.

The Council also carries out a programme of inspections of houses in multiple occupation - such as bedsits and hostels. These inspections ensure they have the appropriate fire safety measures, such as fire detectors and doors, that they are in a reasonable standard of repair and have adequate facilities for the number of occupants living within the property.

Two guides have been produced to help owners, agents and managers of houses in multiple occupation. These are available at the following links:

Minimum standards guide to fire protection in houses in multiple occupation.

LACORS also has fire protection guidance.

Amenity standards for houses in multiple occupation and other houses.

Letting your property to households on the Council's waiting list

The Council is interested in hearing from landlords willing to let their properties to households on the housing waiting list through its Simple Lets scheme. To find out about the scheme, visit the Simple Lets webpage, telephone 01992 785529 or email simplelets@broxbourne.gov.uk.

The Council also has agreements with Paradigm Housing Association which operates a similar scheme in the area.

If you would like more information, please visit the Paradigm Housing Association website, email PSLlettings@paradigmhousing.co.uk or telephone 0845 521 6216.