PRIVATE RENTED REPAIRS AND MAITENANCE HOUSING CONDITIONS
In April 2006, a new system for assessing houses was introduced, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
Rented accommodation should comply with basic legal minimum standards. It is the landlords responsibility to ensure property meets all statutory requirements set out in the Housing Acts, Environmental Protection Act, Landlords and Tenant Act and also Planning and Building Control Legislation.
For further information on the Housing Health and Safety Rating System and how it could affect you please click on the link below:
Housing Health and Safety Rating System
GAS INSTALLATIONS AND APPLIANCES
Gas installations and appliances must be checked and maintained annually by a suitably qualified CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) registered gas installer and the installation must meet the requirements of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. In an emergency, for gas leaks, contact Transco free on 0800 111 999.
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
Should ideally be in compliance with requirements for electrical installations with the work being carried out by a NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting) registered contractor.
REPORTING DISREPAIR TO A PRIVATE RENTED PROPERTY
Complaints with regard to repairs and maintenance to your private rented property need to be forwarded to the Housing Enforcement Team on 01253 477477, e-mail the team at customer.first@blackpool.gov.uk or visit the Customer First Contact Centre at Corporation Street, Blackpool, FY1 1NA.
You will be asked to provide the details of the disrepair to the private rented property and also the landlords name, address and contact telephone number.
A Housing Enforcement Officer will then be in contact to arrange an inspection on the property, following which the landlord will be contacted and they will be given the opportunity to remedy any disrepair.
If the landlord fails to remedy the disrepair then formal action will be carried out in the form of formal notices, if the landlords fails to comply with the formal notices then the landlord may be prosecuted.
ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES
From 01 October 2008, all rented properties with a new tenancy in England and Wales will be required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Please use this link for more information.
LANDLORDS ENERGY SAVING ALLOWANCE
The Landlord’s Energy Saving Allowance is a tax allowance which lets landlord’s claim on their tax return against the cost of buying and installing energy saving items.
Please use this link for more information.
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