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.
The CIEH has produced a number of publications on housing, both on its own and with partners.
From time to time the CIEH highlights relevant reports produced by related and partner organisations. Care and Repair England have produced a report ‘Time to adapt ’ on home adaptations for older people.
Information for tenants
If you are renting from a private landlord and you are experiencing poor housing conditions, your local council environmental health department may be able to help you. Contact details can be found on your council’s website which you can access via the Directgov website. If you can’t find an environmental health department, try searching under ‘private sector housing’.
If you are renting from the council, your local council environmental health department will not be able to help you directly, though they may be able to offer you advice. For direct help, you should contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or local Law Centre.
Before contacting any of the above you may find it helpful to read one of the following booklets :
Citizens Advice Bureau. Getting Repairs Done while Renting
Shelter. Repairs in private lets Repairs in social housing
You may also find it helpful to look at our page on the Housing Health and Safety Rating System