Inspection of sub-standard or poor housing
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| We have powers to ensure that all rented accommodation is up to
standard. Where a complaint alleges unsatisfactory conditions in
privately-rented property, an officer from the Housing Standards
team will visit to assess the situation and require improvements if
the premises fall below an acceptable standard |
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What is private-sector housing?
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Most people live in property in the private sector. These are
properties which are not owned by public corporations, such as
local authorities and housing associations. Occupants include
owner-occupiers, lease holders and tenants. Properties can include
flats, houses, bedsits, hotels, bed-and-breakfast accommodation,
mobile homes and even house-boats.
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What is our involvement?
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All district councils have been given powers under the Housing
Acts to enforce standards of housing. All properties must be safe
and suitable for human habitation and, if they are not, we can
serve notices requiring works to be carried out to bring up them to
standard. We can close or even demolish grossly unsuitable
houses.
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If I complain, will my landlord find out?
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| Although we maintain confidentiality, it is inevitable that the
landlord will find out if we take enforcement action |
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Who should I contact about maintaining the house I own?
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| For advice and information, please see our Home repairs and maintenance
pages. |
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What should I do if my landlord is harassing me or threatening
to evict me?
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| If your landlord is trying to evict you without going through
the proper procedure, or is making your life difficult by, for
example, cutting-off your electricity or gas supply, then you
should contact the Council's Homelessness Team . They have
the power to prosecute landlords who harass or illegally evict
their tenants. |
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I have condensation and mould in my house, can you help?
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| Yes, we can give you practical advice and have a helpful
booklet: Treating condensation and mould. |
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Who deals with fire risk caused by upholstered furniture?
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| Somerset
County Council's consumer protection service enforce the law
relating to this. |
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Who deals with gas fires or boilers which are in a poor
condition or badly-maintained ?
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The
health and safety executive. They have a telephone gas safety
advice line on 0800 300363.
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Environmental Health and Housing Surgery
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| If you would you like to talk to someone about a housing
standards issue, a housing surgery is held every Tuesday afternoon
at the Housing Advice Centre. No
appointment is necessary. |
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Useful Information
Private Sector Housing Strategy
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