Public health - housing
We aim to improve conditions in poor housing by working in partnership with owners and if necessary, by enforcement of national and local standards. The Residential Environmental Health Service can intervene using powers under housing and public health legislation to deal with a wide range of problems.
Who can we help?
- Tenants of private landlords and Housing Associations
- Landlords and owner occupiers either as leasehold or freehold
What can we help with?
In general we respond to any situation where it seems the condition of someone’s home is affecting their health and safety. We visit people in their homes and assess hazards. Then, using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) 
(PDF 95 KB) - a system that measures risks from hazards in the home and a wide range of housing and public health powers. We have a number of options to take statutory action to deal with poor conditions.
In particular we:
- respond to complaints from residents about poor housing conditions.
- licence houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) and ensure that they meet national and local HMO standards
- administer Disabled Facilities Grants to assist disabled people living in their own homes.
- advise landlords on their legal responsibilities.
- take enforcement action to improve the worst premises.
If you have a query or think that we can help, contact us using the details opposite.
