Housing health

If you rent your home from a private landlord or a housing association, and it is in a poor state of repair or has insufficient kitchens or bathrooms or fire precautions, the council can help you.

Unsatisfactory homes

You can contact the Environmental Protection Section if your home is unsatisfactory because:

• It is damp or the roof leaks. Damp problems in homes can be caused by building defects, external faults or internal condensation. Damp can make timber rot, encourage mould growth, and increase the risk of illness
• There is other disrepair. Examples include structural problems, broken gutters and rainwater goods, dangerous floors and defective plaster
• The drains are blocked
• Windows are broken or rotten
• You have no hot water
• Electric sockets are blackened or blow frequently
• The rooms are not of an adequate size
• Gas appliances have not been serviced or maintained at least once per year. Gas appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if they are poorly installed, faulty or incorrectly used. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause permanent health damage or, in severe cases, kill; early symptoms include tiredness, headaches, dizziness and chest pains
• The gas, electricity or water has been cut off because the landlord/landlady has not paid the bill, etc. In certain such instances, the council may be able to reconnect the supply and charge the cost to the landlord.

Unsatisfactory bed-sits, flats or hostels

If you live in a bed-sit, flat or hostel you can also call if:

• There are no fire doors or they are wedged open. These types of properties usually require fire check doors, a fire alarm system, fire extinguishers and fire signage
• The fire alarm system is not maintained or is not working properly
• The accommodation is very cramped or overcrowded. There are legal standards that apply with respect to the number of people who can occupy a home, based on the number and size of the available rooms
• The shared parts of the house are unsafe or filthy or
• The house is poorly managed

Solving the problem

You should tell your landlord/landlady, or their appointed agents, first. If they do not carry out the repairs, you can contact the Environmental Protection Section.

An officer will be allocated to your enquiry and will visit you to identify the defect(s); the action to be taken will then be determined.

Most standards are specified in the Housing Act 1985 or Public Health Legislation. With bed-sits, flats or hostels, the whole house may need to be surveyed.

The officer may contact your landlord/landlady, or their appointed agents, to request that the repairs/improvements are carried out; the time scale will depend on the conditions and works required. A legal notice will some times be served, stating the works and time allowed.

If, following a notice, the works are not done the landlord/landlady, or their appointed agents, they may be prosecuted and the council may carry out the works and charge them the costs.

The council is only able to offer the above service to private tenants. Owner-occupiers and long leaseholders should seek legal advice and council tenants should contact their local housing office.

Landlords/landladies/agents

We can give you advice on housing standards and your legal responsibilities.

Your rights as a tenant

If you need advice on your tenancy or are experiencing harassment or threatened eviction, please contact the Housing Advisory Service.

Fire/smoke alarms

Protect yourself and your home. Get a smoke alarm!

For more information, visit the government's Fire Kills website.

Pid No: 661