Housing Enforcement
Overview
Did you know if you are a landlord of a property the accommodation your provide must meet a basic safety standard?
Swale Borough Councils Housing Enforcement Team was set up to monitor and enforce standards of housing throughout the Borough in order to raise the overall quality of the housing provided by and available in the Borough.
Housing enforcement has the following aims:
- To monitor and enforce legal standards for healthy housing and related environmental conditions, with particular emphasis on rented accommodations including multi-occupied houses (HMOs), empty dwellings, caravan sites.
- To promote healthy, safe and well managed rented sector housing, through tenant, landlord and agency liaison.
- To deal effectively with all enquiries for help relating to housing, statutory nuisances, defective drainage, filthy and/or verminous premises.
Housing Enforcement Issues
Housing Enforcement deals with many different housing issues across the Borough and can provide information and advice on how to deal with a wide range of problems that may arise with housing and with tenants. Housing Enforcement can provide help and information about:
Private Sewers Transfer 2011
Drain and sewer problems, blocked drains and transfer of ownership. What to do when the drains at your property are blocked and who is responsible for clearing of obstructions.
Find out all you need to know on our Private Sewers Transfer page.
Caravan and Mobile Home Sites
We licence and inspect all known caravan sites and mobile home sites in the borough and would be happy to discuss or investigate issues relating to site standards and conditions.
Filthy and Verminous Properties
Where a property has become a risk to the occupier through an accumulation of waste, or through an infestation of rats, insects or other pest, we can try to help the occupier to improve the conditions or a notice can be issued to clean the property.
Problems with rats, insects or other vermin, that do not warrant formal action (for example a minor problem with rats) can be dealt with through the Swale Pest Control officer. The council can offer a free or reduced rate pest control service to local residents.
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO's)
Swale has a minimum standard of quality for all multiply occupancy properties in the Borough, and will inspect and provide advice on existing and new HMO's.
For information about building and planning issues, or the conversion of existing housing into multiple occupancy housing, please see our Supplementary Planning Guidance, (the conversion of buildings into flats and houses of multiple occupation). Please note that these regulations are separate from housing enforcement regulations.
Radon
Areas within Swale have been tested by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) and found to be affected by low levels of Radon gas. Further information can be obtained from the Health Protect Agency relating to the testing of properties and Radon gas or contact an Environmental Health Officer direct.
Asbestos
The risks associated with asbestos in residential and non residential buildings have been known for some time. The calls received by the Council regarding asbestos normally concern asbestos - cement products, used for roofing and wall cladding. These products are unlikely to release high levels of fibres because of the way they are made but precautions should be taken when dealing with them. Asbestos should be removed professionally where possible, but facilities for the disposal of asbestos have been made available at several of Swale's refuse tips.
- See Health and Safety Executive web pages about asbestos.
- See Health and Safety Executive Leaflet - Asbestos, advice on dealing with asbestos in the home.
- See Leaflet 'Asbestos - Frequently Asked Questions'
Gas Safety
Housing Enforcement provides information and advice on the safety of gas heaters and other gas appliances. Enforcement of Gas Safety and use regulations are through the Health and Safety Executive. All rented properties require a Gas Safety Certificate.
Our Gas Safety Leaflet.
Please contact 'Housing Enforcement' if you wish to discuss issues raised by this page.
