Home safety
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
This section looks at fire, gas and electrical safety in the home. It explains how to prevent accidents and what you should do in an emergency.
Flooding
If you live in an area prone to flooding, you need to know what you can do to prepare and how to cope if your home is flooded.
Overcrowding
This page explains the legal definition of overcrowding. This definition is quite strict. Although you may think your home is too small for your family, it may not be legally overcrowded.
Pests and vermin
Infestation by pests and vermin such as cockroaches or rats could make your home uninhabitable. You can deal with certain problems yourself, but for more serious outbreaks, you should contact the council's environmental health department or a local pest control firm.
Health and Safety Rating System
All rented properties must meet certain standards to make them habitable. How does the Housing Health and Safety Rating Sysytem work?
Gas safety
Ensuring that the gas appliances in your home are safe could save your life. Your landlord has important legal responsibilities.
Fire safety
Minimise the risk of fire in your home and understand the fire safety responsibilities landlords have.
Electrical safety
Precautions you can take to ensure that your home is safe, and what your landlord is responsible for.
