Housing Act 2004
The Housing Act 2004 received royal assent in November 2004. The act requires the licensing of high risk houses in multiple occupation, a new housing fitness standard and a requirement for sellers of properties to produce a home information pack for prospective purchasers.
The existing housing fitness standard which has been around for some 80 years was replaced on the 6th April 2006 by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). The concept of unfitness will be replaced by an assessment as to the extent to which a house is free from hazards to health and safety. The HHSRS places the emphasis on the occupant rather than the building. In respect of the Health & Regulatory Services department, this change in legislation will be most relevant in respect of privately tenanted property.
There are 29 hazards to be assessed including:
- Electrical safety
- Freedom from dampness
- Excessive cold
- Falls on the level
- Entry by intruders
- Food Safety.
Enforcement action can be taken by this Council to ensure landlords eliminate and/or minimise such hazards.
The home information scheme is likely to come into force in 2007 and further information on this subject will emerge in regulations in due course.
Information is available at the following website:
- www.communities.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink)
For further information or advice on the above please contact us at regulatory@fareham.gov.uk or telephone on 01329 236100.
|.
|.
