Private sector housing forms an important area of the Environmental Services work and includes the inspection of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's) and other tenanted properties, the provision of grants to improve properties and the promotion of home energy efficiency schemes to improve home energy insulation.
Houses in Multiple Occupation
An HMO is a house occupied by persons who do not form a single household such as bedsits, hostels and shared houses. These are properties where tenants share facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens and where living conditions can be stressful.
For more information on Houses in Multiple Occupation
Tenanted Properties
In order for any residential property to be fit for human habitation it must comply with the fitness standard set out in the Housing Act 1985.
To be fit the property must be:
Structurally stable
Be free from serious disrepair
Be free from dampness prejudicial to the health of the occupants
Have adequate provision of lighting, heating and ventilation
Have an adequate piped supply of wholesome water
Have satisfactory facilities for the preparation and cooking of food, including a sink with a supply of hot and cold water
Have a suitably located water closet
Have for the exclusive use of the occupants a suitable located fixed bath or shower and a wash-hand basin each with a hot and cold water supply
Have an effective system for the drainage of foul waste and surface water
If the property is defective in any of the above the EHO can serve a notice to make the property fit. If you live in a defective property discuss the defects first with your landlord who should carry out any repairs that are required. If you have problems with your landlord carrying out the work contact us on 01727-819406 to arrange for an Environmental Health Officer to inspect the property.
Home Improvement Grants
St Albans District Council are able to provide a range of grants to owner occupiers to help them improve/repair/stay in their homes. All such grants are means tested.
For more information on Home Improvement Grants
Home Energy Efficiency
Everyone uses energy at home both for heating (space and water), lighting and electrical appliances. Unfortunately a lot of this energy is wasted. Energy efficiency is about using energy in the most effective way because wasted energy is wasted money.
For more information on energy efficiency go to our webpage http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/sustainability/energy-efficiency/
For more information on renewable energy such as micro wind power and solar heating please go to our webpage http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/sustainability/renewable-energy/
Date of last review: 10 February 2010