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Housing conditions in privately rented homes
The Private Sector Housing team aims to ensure that privately rented homes, including Houses in Multiple occupation (HMOs), and housing association properties are safe for residents to live in. We look at disrepair, dampness, overcrowding, fire precautions and missing amenities. If you are a Council tenant, you need to contact Housing Repairs with any problems you have with your property.
If you are a tenant and your home is in disrepair, what should you do? If you are having problems in your privately rented home then your first action should be to contact your landlord or letting agent. Their details should be on your tenancy agreement. If you have had difficulties with them before then this contact should be in writing.
If your landlord or someone representing them has not contacted you after a reasonable time (around 14 days in the case of non-urgent works) then contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01992 564149 or email privatesectorhousing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk. If you think the works are dangerous or urgent then contact us at the same time that you contact your landlord.
What can we do? Most landlords are reasonable people who look after their properties, as it protects their investment. However, if your landlord is ignoring your request for help, then we may be able to make sure that any necessary repairs or improvements are carried out - and the property is safe for you.
Normally we start by approaching the landlord informally, by phone or letter. But, if our experience has shown a previous history of problems carrying out work, then we may adopt a more formal approach straight away.
To help us determine whether we need to take any formal action we will make an appointment to visit you at home and carry out an assessment of the property using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. This looks at any deficiencies and hazards in the property, and helps us decide what action we need to take. This may mean we serve a statutory notice on your landlord, or letting agent managing the property, requiring them to carry out remedial works within a reasonable time. Normally this must be done in a minimum of 28 days.
If your landlord has not appealed against such a notice, and does not carry out the works within the time allowed, then the Council may carry out the works and recover the costs from the landlord. For further details regarding enforcement refer to our Private Sector Housing enforcement policy.
The Council’s Housing Options Team provides advice on housing rights, needs and options, welfare benefits and tenancy rights. The team also deals with applications for social housing and operates the HomeOption Choice Based Lettings Scheme.
Use the following links for information on other housing topics:
Energy Performance Certificates
Harassment and illegal eviction
Contacting Us
Civic Offices
High Street
Epping
Essex CM16 4BZ