Page last updated at 10:24 GMT, Thursday, November 4 2010

Improvements and Repairs

Landlords are required to maintain their properties with the following generally the responsibility of the landlord or owner:-

• The exterior and structural elements of the dwelling.
• The installations within and associated with the dwelling for the supply and use of water, gas and electricity.
• the installations within and associated with the dwelling for personal hygiene, sanitation and drainage.
• The installations within and associated with the dwelling for food safety, ventilation, space heating and heating water.

If you are renting a property and have concerns about the condition of the accommodation and your landlord is unwilling to remedy the problem please contact Private Sector Housing on 023 8068 8301.

Landlords and managing agents should also identify whether any serious hazards exist in their rented property and associated yard, garden, outhouses or other areas belonging to or used with the dwelling that may pose a risk to occupiers, potential occupiers and/or visitors with reference to the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System is a prescribed means of assessing a property with 29 hazards, which can adversely affect the health and safety of occupier(s) and any visitor(s).  the 29 hazard categories are as follows:-

The Housing Health & Safety Rating System is evidence based with national statistics on the health impacts of hazards encountered in the home used as a basis for assessing individual hazards.

When major (category 1) hazards are identified by the Council there is a duty to decide on the most satisfactory course of action.  In most cases this will be that the owner removes or reduces the risk.  Usually this will be by improvement, but in some cases it may be by restricting the occupancy of all or part of the house.

For lesser (category 2) hazards the Council has a power to take enforcement action to reduce or remove the risk if appropriate.

More details on the Housing Health & Safety Rating System can be found on the Communities and Local Government website at http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/hhsrsoperatingguidance

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
All gas installations and appliances must be safety checked and maintained annually by a suitably qualified Gas Safe Registered Gas Installer and the installation must meet the requirements of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

These Regulations are enforced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) although Eastleigh Borough Council does have powers to require the production of documents including a Gas Safety Record under the Housing Act 2004.

More details on gas safety can be found on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk and the Gas Safe Register website www.gassaferegister.co.uk  The Gas Safe Register replaced the CORGI Gas Register on 1st April 2009.

Electrical Safety
Landlords should ensure that the electrical installations within their properties are in a safe condition with any necessary works identified and remedial actions/works carried out.  For further information on electrical safety please see the Electrical Safety Council's information booklet - Landlords' Guide to Electrical Safety.

Dampness & Mould Growth
A common problem encountered by tenants particularly during the winter months is dampness and mould growth.  Dampness can occur in properties for a number of reasons.  See our Dampness & Mould Growth web page for further information.