Private Sector Housing Standards

This page explains what we do to enable all private sector residents of the borough to live in homes that are healthy, safe and comfortable.

To carry out this service, we do the following:

• take action or provide advice where a home falls below the standards set by law,
• respond to requests for advice and assistance from householders (both owner occupiers and private tenants) and landlords,
• help to ensure that no home in the borough stays unoccupied for longer than is necessary,
• offer advice about blocked drains and sewers and
• ensure that houses in multiple occupation are maintained to the required legal standards and that they are licensed where appropriate.

If you are a householder, tenant or a landlord in the borough and you would like to know more about any of these services please contact Environmental Health using the contact details in the panel on the left.

If you are considering renting a property that you own and you have not done this before please contact Environmental Health for advice for first time landlords.

You can find out more about letting your property and the East Midlands landlord accreditation scheme from an organisation called East Midlands Decent and Safe Homes.

Blocked drains and sewers

From 1 October 2011, Severn Trent Water took over the responsibility for blocked and defective private sewers. However, the responsibility for drains stays with the house owner.

You can find out more about this by following the related link on this page to Severn Trent Water.

If you have a problem with a private sewer serving your property, please contact Severn Trent Water on 0800 783 4444.