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 1985.
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 e-mail 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. Theses can be found on
by clicking on the links below:
Minimum standards
guide to fire protection in houses in multiple
occupation.
Amenity standards for houses
in multiple occupation and other houses.
For further information related to this subject please visit
our decent homes page.
Landlords' Forum
The Council organises a Landlords' Forum every six months for
private landlords and letting agencies. This is an opportunity for
landlords to learn about new legislation and to ask questions of
Council officers.
The next Landlords' Forum is planned
for Wednesday 7 May 2008 at 6.45 pm
in the Borough Offices in Bishops' College, Cheshunt.
The meeting is open to all landlords and letting
agencies.
The links below will take you to minutes and information from
the last two meetings:
If you want any information regarding the Landlords'
Forum, please contact the Housing section by e-mail at
housing@broxbourne.gov.uk
or telephone 01992 785555 ext. 5854.
Owner occupied
Some homes do fall into disrepair and any occupied owner seeking
help about maintaining their home can contact the Council for
advice.
Disabled facilities grant
Disabled facilities grants assist in enabling those with a
disability to live independently in their own home. Grants can
be awarded to make adaptations to enable the person to safely get
in and out of the house. These could include:
- Installing stairlifts
- Adapting the bathroom
- Adapting the kitchen
- Widening doors
Before applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant you should
contact
Hertfordshire County Council and request an Occupational
Therapist assessment for a Disabled Facilities Grant. Following
this assessment you will be referred to the Council to see if you
qualify for a grant.
These grants are means tested, which will determine how much, if
anything you will have to contribute towards the cost of the work.
The Council will have to look at the income and capital of the
disabled person.
Assistance is subject to meeting certain criteria. Contact the
Council on envhealth@broxbourne.gov.uk
or 01992 785511 to apply.