Private Housing Environmental Health

We make sure that residents of the city live in safe and healthy homes. Local authorities have statutory duties and powers. These are to deal with conditions in dwellings which affect other's -

  • properties
  • occupiers
  • visitors
  • members of the public

Inspections on properties are carried out when either -

  • we have received a concern about the property
  • the exterior is in visibly poor condition
  • it is a routine inspection

We will give landlords at least 24 hours’ notice of our intention to inspect properties. This is by issuing a notice of entry.

Statutory notices

Statutory notice or notices may be served following an inspection of the property. The notice or notices detail what work we consider is needed within what timescale to remove or reduce a potential hazard. Once the officer has contacted the landlord or agent with the works needed if a landlord or agent wants to propose alternative works, we would be willing to discuss other options. If landlords fail to carry out the work specified on the notices, we will arrange for either -

  • the work to be carried out at the landlords expense
  • a prosecution case being passed to the legal department, or the service of a fixed penalty notice or up to £30,000

You can access further information on our Civil Penalty Policy.

You can find more information on Private Housing Enforcement.

If you are served with a statutory notice, you will be charged for this.

Carrying out the work

Work that has been identified on the notices must be carried out in the timescales specified. For questions or queries about the work, discuss them with the officer that is dealing with your property. You can also discuss any difficulties gaining access to your property to carry out the work.

Right to appeal

If you have been served with a statutory notice, your rights of appeal are detailed on the notice. Make appeals to the Residential Property Tribunal.

Make an enquiry

You can access more information about private housing enquires.