Private housing accounts for more than 80,300 properties across Herefordshire, providing accommodation for over 178,000 people. Everyone in Herefordshire should have the opportunity to live in a safe and healthy home.

Local authority environmental health departments enforce housing standards in private rentals, ensuring properties are safe and fit for human habitation. They address severe hazards (damp, mould, fire, excessive cold) using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). If landlords fail to address repairs, environmental health can issue improvement or emergency notices, or carry out works themselves and recover costs.

If you are in the private rented sector and experiencing poor housing conditions, the first step is to report issues in writing to your landlord. If they fail to act, you can complain to environmental health to request advice, an inspection and enforcement, especially for issues like mould, damp, or structural problems.

Government's rented housing sector pages

Your rights as a tenant

As well as knowing that the property meets your needs, you'll need to be aware of the legal responsibilities you have as a tenant. Both landlords and tenants have specific rights under current law that regulates tenancy contracts.

A tenant has a right to:

• Know the conditions of tenancy (know your responsibilities and landlord responsibilities, amount of rent and dates on which it should be paid)
• Know the name and address of the landlord or managing agent
• Have a rent book (if they pay weekly) or receipt for rent payment
• Have a decent standard of safety and repair
• Be given notice in writing that the landlord wishes to inspect the property
• Be served with a court order if being asked to leave against their will

You can find more about rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords on the government's private renting pages.

Harassment and illegal eviction

Harassment is anything done by a landlord or someone linked with them that stops a tenant living safely and quietly in their home. Illegal eviction is when a tenant is forced out of their home without the landlord or landlady following proper procedures. Such actions are likely to constitute criminal offences under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and the private sector housing team has powers to prosecute.

Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, if you have a problem with a tenancy which might lead to people becoming homeless, contact the housing solutions team immediately for advice on 01432 261600 or email housing.enquiry@herefordshire.gov.uk

Repairs and maintenance to a property you are renting

It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the property and to carry out repairs. When repairs or maintenance are required, tenants should always contact the landlord in the first instance:

• Clearly describe the problem and ask your landlord or agent to investigate and do the necessary repairs or improvements.
• Do this in writing in case you need to prove that they knew about the problem at a later date.

If a landlord ignores a tenant's request or refuses to carry out necessary repairs, we may be able to offer help and advice. An officer will discuss the details or arrange to visit. Where unacceptable hazards exist in the premises, we will contact the landlord to discuss the condition and the options available. Enforcement procedures are available where informal action is unsuccessful or inappropriate.

Contact us using the details at the bottom of the page. We aim to respond to your enquiry within five working days.

Disputes

Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which the landlord and tenant cannot agree, however reasonable both parties think they are being. Both parties should seek advice before relationships deteriorate and before vast amounts of time and energy are wasted on trivial problems. There is no reason why a landlord should not approach an advice agency for assistance. You can read about your legal rights above. It will also help to be aware of the landlord's legal rights.