Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 38
38
Acknowledged
We strongly recommend that the Government immediately make it clear to local councils that they...
Recommendation
We strongly recommend that the Government immediately make it clear to local councils that they have a duty to inspect all unsafe homes, irrespective of who owns it, including, if necessary, by producing new enforcement guidance. This must include setting out that there is nothing preventing a council’s environmental health team from inspecting properties owned by that council and issuing it with a non-legal warning. (Paragraph 138) The Regulator of Social Housing
Government Response Summary
The Government recognises the importance of safe and secure homes and local authorities' powers to enforce housing standards, working to raise awareness of these powers regarding hazards like damp and mould. The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill will strengthen tenant rights and regulator powers.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises the importance of all homes being safe and secure. Local authorities have powers under the Housing Act 2004 to take enforcement action where hazards are identified in residential premises, and we expect them to use these powers to ensure landlords address hazards brought to their attention. We are working to raise awareness of these powers, particularly in relation to hazards such as damp and mould, so that all tenants can live in safe and decent homes. The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill will further strengthen tenant rights and improve access to swift and fair redress, as well as ensuring the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has stronger powers to tackle rogue landlords.