Private Sector Housing

Gedling Borough Council has developed, in consultation, a Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy and Strategy 2005 to enable the Council to continue to provide assistance for the repair and improvement of private sector housing which continues to reflect the prevailing conditions of the Borough's private housing stock.  The Policy and Strategy is revised annually with the aim of more effectively directing the limited resources available to the most vulnerable households to remedy the most serious defects.  

Gedling Borough Council's Maintenance Section (Private Housing) has the responsibility to:

• Maintain the condition of the housing stock and encourage the maintenance and improvement of housing conditions to meet legal standards.

• Respond to complaints and requests for assistance about housing related matters and statutory nuisance. This includes providing information to support the maintenance and improvement of housing standards, plus encouraging and enforcing legal standards for housing where appropriate. Complaints can be related to the physical condition of the property, or to overcrowding; or in houses in multiple occupation (properties occupied by people that do not form a single household), to fire safety and the level of facilities.
• Please find below a link to the current Enforcement Policy Statement (Enforcement Concordat) used by our Section,   the Environmental Protection Section and the Food/Licensing/Health and Safety Section.  While much of the work of    the service is regulated at a national level and in the near future the Enforcement Concordat will be updated, we          would be pleased to receive any contributions that you may have to consider incorporating in future documentation.    Our contact details can be found further down the page.

           Enforcement Policy Statement

• Survey and monitor the private housing stock
  A stock condition survey was carried out in 2006/07.

• Encourage the maintenance and improvement of property towards ensuring housing is safe, in good repair, energy efficient, affordably warm and has adequate facilities. This is achieved by advice and assistance, including grants in certain cases, referrals to other agencies and enforcement.
  Types of Grant Assistance

• Ensure rented properties, particularly houses in multiple occupation, meet minimum legal standards.

• Provide grants for essential adaptation to properties for people with a disability (this is carried out following referral from an Occupational Therapist).

• Encourage energy efficiency improvements in dwellings to achieve national home energy conservation targets.

• Inspect houses to identify if overcrowding exists. The statutory standard is contained in the Housing Act 1985 (as amended) and inspections are made on request.

• Have actions in place to encourage and assist in affordable warmth being achieved in all dwellings in the Borough.

• Inspect houses and provide reports on their suitability for immigration purposes.
  Immigration reports are sought by individuals requiring a visa application to enter the U.K.
  Full details of who may apply is contained on the Home Office website.
  www.homeoffice.gov.uk
  We will, on request, visit a property and produce a report.

• Respond to changes in legislation, and provide national statistics.

The main services provided for owners and tenants of private sector properties are as follows:

1.South Nottinghamshire Home Improvement Agency

The not-for-profit agency provides homeowners and private tenants with advice, action and support to improve their living conditions across Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling. Its aim is to help elderly residents, disabled people and clients on low incomes to live independently in safe, secure and warm housing. For further information please click on the document below or telephone South Nottinghamshire Home Improvement Agency on 0115 9775330.

snhia leaflet

The agency also provides a Handyperson Service and Preventative Adaptations Service.

The Handyperson Service provides help for people over 60 years on disability related benefits who need a hand with odd jobs around the home, such as fixing leaky taps or fitting window locks. Work is carried out by reputable trades people for a maximum charge of £10 per hour for up to 2 hours work, plus the cost of materials. For more information please telephone 0115 9775351 or

Click here for the Handy Person Leaflet

The Preventative Adaptation Service (PAS) allows people who are less steady on their feet as they used to be to do more simple safety measures such as grab rails and half steps, installed by a reliable contractor. The service, which costs £10, is available to anyone aged over 70 who owns or rents their home. For more information please telephone 0115 9775343 or

Click here for the PAS leaflet

You can also apply for PAS online by clicking on the application form below. There are guidance notes to help you.

• PAS Application Form
• PAS Guidance notes

2.Disabled Facilities Grants

To help towards the cost of adapting the home of a disabled person to enable them to live there as independently as possible. For information or further advice please contact the Occupational Therapy Section at Gedling Social Care Services on 0115 8546000 or the  Maintenance Section (Private  Housing) on 0115 9013687. Alternatively please go to

www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/social_care  .

3.Renovation Grants

For properties which require works to remedy specified defects.  Applicants must be aged 60 or over, or disabled, or have children aged 16 years or under and be claiming specific benefits. For information or further advice contact the South Nottinghamshire Home Improvement Agency on 0115 9775330.

4.Home Repair Assistance

To help older and disabled people remain in their own homes safely and independently.  This may be in the form of Home Repair Assistance grants for such works as additional or more accessible sanitary appliances, renewal of defective heating and hot water systems, safety works, security works and thermal insulation works. For information or further advice contact the South Nottinghamshire Home Improvement Agency on 0115 9775330.

5.Investigations and Action Regarding Complaints about Housing Conditions

Private sector tenants should contact their landlord or agent if they have any problems with the condition of their rented property.  If the landlord/agent ignores or fails to respond to the complaint the tenant should contact the Maintenance Section (Private  Housing) on 0115 9013687. An Officer will investigate the complaint and if necessary take appropriate action to ensure that any necessary works are carried out at the property.

6.Energy Efficiency Grants and Discount Schemes

For information regarding the schemes currently available please click below.

• Saving Energy and Money
• Magic Boiler Scheme
• Magic Boiler Scheme (part 2)
• Magic Boiler Price List

For further details regarding Energy Efficiency please click below.

• Energy Efficiency Information

7.Empty Properties

Within the Borough of Gedling long-term empty homes or other properties are not a major problem because they are relatively small in number and pepper-potted throughout the area.  However, each isolated property can become a major cause for concern for those who live nearby.  Also, in an area of high demand such as Gedling and the impact of the Homelessness Act 2002, an empty property is a wasted housing resource.

empty_property_strategy_2005

Contact Information

1 Gedling Borough Council

Maintenance Section (Private Housing
Planning and Environment
Civic Centre
Arnot Hill Park
Arnold
Nottingham
NG5 6LU

Telephone: 0115 9013687

environmentalhealth@gedling.gov.uk

Fax: 0115 9013758

2 Gedling Social Services

Sir John Robinson Way
Arnold
Nottingham
NG5 6DB

Telephone: 0115 8546000

3 South Nottinghamshire Home Improvement Agency

Spirita
Raleigh House
64-84 Alfreton Road
Nottingham
NG7 3NN

Telephone 0115 9775330

back to top