Housing conditions

Introduction to housing conditions

What is meant by the word 'repair', the repairing responsibilities of landlords, tenants and occupiers, the sources of remedies for tackling disrepair and other causes of bad housing conditions, and how these remedies can be used. Read more 

Contractual rights

The contractual rights of tenants in cases of disrepair. Read more 

Non-contractual rights

Liability for disrepair where there are no contractual (express or implied) terms. Liability that arises in tort. Read more 

Taking action on disrepair

Options for tenants whose landlord has failed to carry out repairs. Read more 

Problems during repairs

Problems that can arise during repair work, the rights of tenants temporarily displaced during repairs, and compensation for occupiers who have to leave their homes because of poor conditions. Read more 

Environmental Protection Act 1990

How the Environmental Protection Act 1990 can be used to remedy disrepair where premises are in such a bad condition that they constitute a threat to health or a nuisance, eg disease, noise, infestations, overcrowding, and dangerous buildings. Read more 

Noise

The definition of noise and the different methods clients can use to try to remedy noise nuisance. Read more 

Assessing bad housing: HHSRS

Local authorities' duties and powers to inspect rented housing and enforce repair and improvement works. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) that was introduced by the Housing Act 2004 and came into force on 6 April 2006, replacing the fitness standard and enforcement action under the Housing Act 1985. Read more 

Safety in the home

The law in relation to specific hazards that can be found in and around the home eg, gas and electrical safety, fire safety, furnishings, refuse, vermin and radon gas. Read more 

Asbestos

Asbestos and housing. Where it may be found, why it is dangerous, what measures can be taken to deal with it, and how to take action if these measures are insufficient. Read more 

Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs)

Legislation and issues associated with houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) Read more 

Grants for improvements and repairs

Assistance that may be available from local authorities to help with the cost of repairs, improvements, adaptations, demolition and/or rebuilding. Also covered are eligibility for assistance and application procedures. Read more 

Overcrowding

The definition of statutory overcrowding, including the space standard and the room standard. Situations where overcrowding is permissible, and the offences relating to overcrowding. Action that can be taken by an occupier, a landlord or a local authority when premises are overcrowded. Read more 

Energy performance certificates

Examination of the requirements for energy performance certificates in relation to buying and renting properties. Read more