The City of London has a Private Sector Housing Assistance
Policy. It explains that the City of London gives:
- Disabled Facilities Grants (which are mandatory) for works
needed to help a disabled person live independently in their
home.
- Renovation Grants (which are discretionary) for works including
making a property fit for human habitation or bringing it back into
reasonable repair.
- Minor Works Grants (which are also discretionary) for works
including repairing and improving the security of the basic fabric
of a property.
The City of London also works with a Fair Rent Officer from the
Rent Service who assesses fair rents for the private sector. The
Rent Service is a government agency providing a rental valuation
service to local authorities in England, supplying them with a
range of valuations to assist them in settling claims for housing
benefit.
Inspections of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)
Inspections of HMOs are carried out proactively and/or in
response to a complaint from a tenant. The areas covered by the
inspection are: The Management of the HMO
- Fire Safety
- Prevention of falls from windows, balconies etc
- Maintenance of water supply and drainage
- Supply and maintenance of gas and electricity
- Maintenance of common parts, fixtures, fittings and appliances
(including lifts)
- Maintenance of living accommodation
- Provision of waste disposal facilities
- Overcrowding
Where the HMO has been licensed - compliance with the terms of
the licence, any additional conditions and the associated
legislation will also be required. Link to HMO licensing.
The new fitness standard based on the Housing Health and Safety
Hazard Rating System (HHSRS) is used to evaluate the potential
risks to health and safety from any deficiencies identified– Link
to HHSRS.
Any non compliance identified during the inspection would be
followed up in accordance with the Department’s Enforcement Policy
– Link to Enforcement Policy.
For further information or to report a complaint or problem
email DES
- enquiries@cityoflondon.gov.uk or telephone 020 7606 3030.