Private Sector Housing
The private sector housing team is responsible for ensuring that private housing in North Herts is safe to live in, has sufficient and adequate amenities, including kitchen and toilet facilities, and meets any government standards.
This is achieved through education, advice, promotion and enforcement in the following areas.
Housing Conditions (rented properties)
The Housing Act 2004 introduced the Health and Safety Rating System, which is a new way of assessing the condition of all houses with a view to identifying hazards to occupants. If you have any concerns regarding the condition of your home, the private sector housing team can offer advice and if necessary will visit and investigate.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) includes any building or flat in which two or more households share basic amenities. Routine inspections of Houses in Multiple Occupation are carried out to ensure they are safe, have adequate facilities and means of escape in case of fire.
Certain larger HMOs are required to apply for a licence and to meet government standards. These licenses are administered by the private sector housing team.
Caravan Site Licensing
Caravan and mobile home sites are required to be licensed and are inspected annually with a view to ensuring compliance with site licence conditions.
Drainage problems
The private sector housing team will offer advice on any drainage problems and if necessary will investigate any matters relating to drains and private sewers.
Energy efficiency in the home
Advice is available on all matters relating to energy efficiency in the home. Some financial assistance is available for certain works.
Empty properties
The private sector housing team offers advice to owners of empty properties and works with owners to ensure that these properties are brought back into use.
The team also promotes and administers a number of housing grants.
Our private sector housing renewal policy below sets out in detail how the Council implements its responsibilities in these areas.
Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy (271.30KB)
Contact Details
Details of how to contact the team can be found on the Housing & Public Protection contact page.
