Housing standards - fitness standards

The Current Standard (until April 2006)

The housing fitness standard was introduced by the government to set the minimum requirements needed within a property for human habitation.

The current fitness standard was introduced under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 which inserted a new s.604 in the Housing Act 1985.

The requirements of the act sets out that a dwelling should:

• be free from disrepair
• be structurally stable
• be free from dampness prejudicial to health of the occupants
• have adequate provision for lighting, heating and ventilation
• have an adequate piped supply of wholesome water
• have an effective system for drainage of foul, waste and surface water
• have a suitably located WC for exclusive use of the occupants
• have a bath or shower and wash-hand basin, with hot and cold water
• have satisfactory facilities for the preparation and cooking of food including a sink with hot and cold water.

If the Council identifies a property which fails to meet one or more of the above requirements, it is deemed to be unfit for human habitation. In these circumstances the Council must determine the most satisfactory course of action to be taken with that property. There are several options available to the council:

• A repair notice
• A closing order
• A demolition order, or
• Include the property in a clearance area  

There is a set procedure to be followed by the Council in deciding the most satisfactory course of action.

Repair Notice

A repair notice would specify the works required to remedy the particular conditions to which the notice relates. It would also specify a reasonable time by which the works must be started and a reasonable period within which they are to be completed.

Works could include improvements such installation of a damp proofing course, as well as repairs e.g. re-plastering walls which were affected by dampness.

Closing Order

A closing order is an order prohibiting the use of the premises for any purpose not approved by the council. This means the council issues this type of order to prevent the premises being lived in.

Demolition Order

As the name suggests these orders are issued where demolition of the premises is the most satisfactory course of action.

 Clearance Area

An area consisting of houses which are unfit for human habitation and are all to be demolished, as the best way of dealing with the problem. There is a very detailed procedure to go through which includes consulting those people who will be affected by the decision.

 The New System (from April 2006)

The above standard and potential courses of action are being entirely replaced on the 1 st April 2006 by a “Housing Health & Safety Rating System” introduced in the Housing Act 2004 and based upon a much wider set of parameters, at which time this page will be updated to provide an overview of the new system.

For Further Information Please Contact

Steve Cleworth

Environmental Health Officer

Council Offices

Wallace Green

Berwick-upon-Tweed

TD15 1ED

Tel. 01289 301822

Fax 01289 330540

email shc@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk