Housing should provide an environment that is as safe and healthy as possible. Poor housing conditions can be a major cause of accidents and ill health.
Tackling problems of poor housing to protect the health, safety and welfare of the occupants is a key environmental health priority. The Housing Act 2004 has strengthened the position of EHPs in working to ensure that everyone has a decent home to live in.
EHPs working in local authorities focus primarily on helping tenants living in private sector housing, by requiring landlords to carry out necessary repair or improvement works. Particular risks are associated with houses converted into flats – houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). EHPs also help owner-occupiers by giving advice and arranging grants or other financial assistance for repairs or improvements.
In some parts of the country, poor housing is found in clusters. In such circumstances EHPs work at the forefront of urban renewal and regeneration programmes.
As well as those working for local authorities, there are EHPs working in the housing sector as consultants and trainers, and in housing associations.
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