Housing Conditions
The Housing Act 2004 has introduced a new method of assessing housing conditions to replace the Fitness Standard (s604 Housing Act 1985 (as amended)), concentrating on health and safety in the home. Hazards will be identified and classified as either a Category 1 or a Category 2 hazard. The Council must take enforcement action to deal with Category 1 hazards and may take action to deal with Category 2 hazards.
Our Housing Officers will be looking for the following hazards in the home:
A) Physiological Requirements
Damp and mould growth
Excess cold
Excess heat
Asbestos (and man-made fibres)
Biocides
Carbon monoxide etc.
Lead
Radiation
Uncombusted fuel gas
Volatile Organic Compounds
B) Psychological Requirements
Crowding and space
Entry by intruders
Lighting
Noise
C) Protection Against Infection
Domestic hygiene, pests and refuse
Food Safety
Personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage
Water supply
D) Protection Against Accidents
Falls associated with baths
Falls on the level
Falls associated with stairs and steps
Falls between levels
Electrical hazards
Fire
Hot surfaces and materials
Collision and entrapment
Explosions
Ergonomics
Structural collapse and falling elements
New types of enforcement action and notices will be introduced. These include:
Improvement Notice – requires works to remove the hazard.
Prohibition Order – prohibits use of residential dwellings or part of a residential dwelling.
Hazard Awareness Notice – advises of hazard and recommends remedial action.
Emergency Remedial Action – where there is imminent danger, the Council will carry out emergency works.
Make an Emergency Prohibition Order – where there is imminent danger, Council can prohibit use of property immediately.
Make a Demolition Order – requires property to be demolished.
Declare a Clearance Area – designated areas will be demolished and redeveloped.
The owner of the property can appeal to a Residential Property Tribunal concerning each of the types of action.
Please click here if you would like to make a complaint or request a service on-line
Should you wish to contact us then please ring Customer Services on 08452-304040 or 01462 611 222, or email Customer.Services@midbeds.gov.uk .
* Download Landlords Safety Log Book for Single Rented Dwellings (application/pdf; 222kb)
* Download Mid Beds DC Private Sector Stock Condition Survey (application/pdf; 448kb)
