Private Sector Housing - Enforcement
The Private Sector Housing Team will, wherever possible, work with the relevant person to encourage them, through informal advice, to make any improvements necessary to ensure their homes and property are safe and in good repair.
We are committed to making sure people keep within the law. We follow the 'Concordat on Good Enforcement' and if we consider enforcement action is required we will seek to ensure that we do our job fairly, without discrimination or malice and in as helpful and responsive manner as possible.
Within the varied role of the Private Sector Housing Team, we act under a wide range of legislation, however, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
(HHSRS), under the Housing Act 2004 is now used to 'risk assess' housing condition in a wide range of situations and so influences the majority of our enforcement action.
Where, under HHSRS, a property is identified as having a 'category 1' hazard and we do not get the owners or landlords co-operation, we have a statutory duty to take enforcement action. Where a 'category 2' hazard is identified we have discretionary powers to act. This will usually involve serving one or some of the following notices;
• Improvement Notice - can be served in response to category 1 and 2 hazards.
• Prohibition Order (emergency) - this will either close the whole or part of the property or restrict the number of permitted occupants (category 1 hazard).
• Remedial Action Notice (emergency) - this will require the person responsible for the property to ensure the hazard is addressed with immediate effect (category 1 hazard).
• Hazard Awareness Notice - This will bring to the attention of the person responsible for the property that a low category hazard exists. Normally no further action will be taken.
• Demolition Order – (category 1 hazard) also available for Category 2 hazards but only under prescribed circumstances.
• Clearance area – (category 1 hazards) also available for Category 2 hazards only under prescribed circumstances.
Use this link to find out more about our Enforcement Policy
You can contact a member of the Private Sector Housing Team if you have any queries on (01730) 234334 or alternatively e-mail
Pshousing@easthants.gov.uk.