Latest news with #HHSRS
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Council's plans to spend millions on improving homes
A housing survey has unveiled plans for future investment in council homes. East Devon District Council has published the findings of a comprehensive housing stock condition survey to guide future maintenance and investment strategies. The survey, conducted by independent consultants Currie & Brown, assessed more than 4,500 properties and facilities across the district. It aimed to support the council's strategic asset management, ensure continued compliance with national housing and consumer standards, and identify potential health and safety risks within the housing stock. After the survey, the council has already undertaken a number of urgent repairs and improvements. Upgrades to heating systems, kitchens, bathrooms, and energy-efficiency measures are being integrated into both short and long-term investment plans. This evidence-based method will aid the council's 30-year business plan and a detailed asset management plan, aimed at sustainable housing stock management in the future. The survey revealed that 93 per cent of individual homes meet the government's Decent Homes Standard, which is above the national average of around 89 per cent. Most non-compliant properties had issues related to thermal comfort, such as poor heating or insulation. Only 1.27 per cent of the housing stock was found to have Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), significantly lower than the national average of 5.1 per cent. Damp or condensation issues were identified in 10 per cent of homes, with poor ventilation and ageing windows cited as the main causes. The council has prioritised addressing these problems in its upcoming Housing Revenue Account (HRA) planned works programme. Many of the council's 15 community centres require moderate repairs and energy efficiency upgrades, with insulation, lighting and heating systems identified for improvement. An estimated £5.2 million is needed for immediate catch-up repairs, with a longer-term investment of up to £311 million required over 30 years. Councillor Dan Ledger, portfolio holder for sustainable homes and communities at East Devon District Council, said: "The results of this survey give us a clear and realistic picture of the condition of our housing stock and community assets. "While most of our homes are in good condition, the data highlights specific areas, such as heating and insulation, that need attention. "We've already started addressing the most urgent issues, and this information will help us make well-informed, transparent decisions. "Our priority now is to develop an investment programme that keeps our homes safe, energy-efficient and comfortable for East Devon tenants long into the future."
BBC News
27-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Rental homes to be made 'safe' under new law
A new law designed to ensure that rental homes are safe and fit for purpose was due to come into effect on legislation was passed by the States of Deliberation in March and is part of work being carried out to tackle Guernsey's "significant housing pressures".Providing safe drinking water, ensuring buildings are structurally sound and complying with fire safety requirements would be set as minimum standards for rental accommodation.A Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) will also come into effect to assess the impact of hazards such as damp and mould, excess heat and cold, lighting and risk of falls. 'Dangerous homes' The States said more measures would be introduced so that less serious issues could be addressed without needing "heavy enforcement".Tobin Cook, director of environmental health and pollution regulation, said the move was a "crucial step to improving the quality of homes" on Guernsey's rental market."There are many well looked after and safe units of rental accommodation but there are still people who are living in entirely unsafe and dangerous homes," he said."This legislation provides a proportionate way to work with landlords to see the quality of our housing stock improve across the island, making more homes available to be safely lived in."
Time Business News
06-05-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Is Your Rental Property Legally Unfit? Here's What You Can Do
Living in a rental property comes with the expectation that your home will be safe, secure, and in good condition. Unfortunately, many tenants across the UK find themselves trapped in homes plagued with structural issues, damp, mould, broken heating, or unsafe living conditions. These problems don't just cause discomfort—they may make your home legally unfit for habitation. If you're experiencing serious issues like these, it's crucial to know your rights and what action you can take. In many cases, you could be eligible for housing disrepair claims to ensure your landlord is held accountable and to receive the compensation you deserve. A rental property may be considered legally unfit to live in if it fails to meet basic standards of safety, cleanliness, and repair. The UK Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) outlines 29 hazards that landlords must address, including: Damp and mould Excessive cold Structural collapse Faulty gas or electrical systems Pests and infestations Unsafe stairs, floors, or ceilings If your home has one or more of these hazards, and your landlord refuses or delays taking action, the property may be legally deemed unfit for living. You don't have to accept this—there are legal steps you can take. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord is legally obligated to: Keep the structure and exterior of the home in good repair Ensure installations for heating, gas, electricity, water, and sanitation work properly Maintain communal areas if you're in a block of flats Respond to repair requests in a reasonable time frame Landlords are also subject to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, which requires rented homes to be fit for human habitation at the beginning and throughout the tenancy. If your home isn't meeting these standards, your landlord may be in breach of the law. You might not always realize when a property is legally unfit. Here are some red flags: Persistent damp and mould affecting your health or belongings No heating during winter due to a broken boiler Structural issues such as cracks, leaks, or sagging ceilings Infestations of rats, mice, or insects Dangerous wiring or broken electrical outlets Doors or windows that won't lock securely If you've raised these issues with your landlord and no meaningful repairs have been carried out, you should consider pursuing legal action or filing a housing disrepair claim. If your rental is unfit to live in, don't wait. Here are the steps you should take: Take clear photos and videos of the disrepair. Keep a log of when the issues started and how they've affected your daily life. Send a formal complaint in writing, giving your landlord a chance to fix the issues. Keep copies of all communication. If your landlord ignores your complaints, contact your local council. They can inspect the property and serve enforcement notices if necessary. A specialist solicitor or housing disrepair team can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of making a claim. Through housing disrepair claims, tenants may be entitled to compensation for: Physical inconvenience or health problems caused by the disrepair Damage to personal belongings like furniture, clothes, or electronics Increased costs (such as higher energy bills from lack of insulation) Emotional distress due to unfit or unsafe living conditions Each claim is assessed based on the severity and duration of the disrepair, how it has impacted your life, and how your landlord responded. You don't need to worry about high legal fees when pursuing a claim. Many housing disrepair solicitors offer 'No Win, No Fee' arrangements, which means you won't pay anything unless your case is successful. This makes it easier for tenants to hold negligent landlords accountable without the fear of upfront costs. Delaying a claim can allow your landlord to continue ignoring your rights, while the problems in your home get worse. Damp can spread, pests can multiply, and structural damage can lead to serious safety hazards. The sooner you act, the better your chances of improving your living conditions and securing compensation. Everyone has the right to a safe and habitable home. If your rental property is failing to meet legal standards, you don't have to suffer in silence. Knowing your rights and taking the appropriate steps to make a claim can not only help you recover financially but also push your landlord to finally make the repairs you've been waiting for. To find out if you're eligible to take action, speak to professionals who also specialize in housing disrepair claims Cambridge. The right guidance can make all the difference—and help restore your home to the safe, comfortable place it should be. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
