Private Housing

The private sector housing stock in Herefordshire accounts for over 80,300 properties providing accommodation for over 178,000 people. Its condition and use is of vital importance to the health, quality of life and well being of our residents and to the visual appearance and economic prosperity of the County.

Over 75% of the housing stock in Herefordshire is owner occupied; followed by 14% rented by Housing Associations and 11% rented privately. Although the responsibility for maintenance and repair of privately owned housing lies with the owner or landlord, Herefordshire Council has a role to ensure that housing in the private sector is in good condition and safe and healthy for its occupants.  It does this by providing help and support to homeowners, landlords and tenants living in private housing.

Among other things we:

• provide advice and information to homeowners, landlords and private sector tenants across the county
• provide assistance to vulnerable homeowners to help them repair, adapt and improve their home
• help disabled people to remain living in their own home
• encourage landlords to improve the physical and management standards of privately rented houses
• promote the private rented sector as a tenure of choice
• provide everyone with the opportunity to live in a decent home
• carry out periodic assessments of housing stock in Herefordshire

Follow the links to the left side for specific information on the following work we and our partners do, and how we can help you. The resources box on this page also contains our current assistance policy.

Housing Repairs and Maintenance Advice

This section covers basic things to look out for when maintaining your property and advice about choosing a builder. You can download a leaflet that details the main points to look out for. We also have a registered contractors list that meet minimum standards; the list can be sent to you on request.

Home Improvement and Adaptations

Private Sector Housing have a specialist Home Improvement Agency team that can provide a wide range of services to help maintain, improve and adapt your home.

Energy Efficiency

A list of valuable resources to help you become more energy efficient and reduce your impact on climate change, while also saving on expensive fuel bills. This includes energy saving tips, information on energy efficiency grants and green energy.

Empty Properties

There are approximately 1000 empty residential properties in Herefordshire. Properties that are left unoccupied for long periods of time cause problems for the local community and their owners. We work alongside owners to reduce the number of empty properties in the County but also need your help in telling us about empty properties in your area so that appropriate action can be taken.

Rented Accommodation

This section provides guidance for landlords and tenants on the basic requirements for all privately rented accommodation, including the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) that replaced the old “fitness standard”.

Accreditation for Landlords and Tenants

This section provides details of the new Home Cert Landlord, Property and Tenant Accreditation Scheme that offers assistance and advantages for landlords in Herefordshire.

HMOs and Licensing

Advice and guidance for landlords and tenants on the legislation and requirements for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) s and the National and Additional licencing requirements.

Landlord and Tenant Relations

This section provides information around contractual rights and responsibilities as a landlord or tenant, including advice on illegal eviction.

News, Events and Information for Landlords

General information for landlords including the landlords fair and Landlords forum and newsletter.

Land Charges

Information on the land charges process, for example when an enforcement notice is served under the Housing Act 2004.