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Private sector housing standards
Understanding housing standards and your responsibilities
The Private Sector Housing Team works with homeowners, landlords, and tenants to help make sure homes in the private rented sector meet legal standards for health and safety.
All homes must comply with minimum standards set out in law. These standards are designed to reduce risks and protect people from harm by ensuring homes are:
- warm and energy-efficient
- protected against fire risks
- maintained to minimise hazards that could cause illness or injury
Local councils have powers under the Housing Act 2004 to take action where homes do not meet these standards.
What you’ll find here
On the menu, you’ll see links to important laws and guidance documents. These include:
- legal requirements for landlords
- safety standards for rental properties
- useful resources for tenants
This list isn’t complete, so it’s important for landlords and letting agents to stay up to date and make sure they follow all relevant laws.
Who this is for
- Landlords and agents: you must make sure your properties meet legal standards and are safe to live in.
- Tenants: you can use this information to understand your rights, what your landlord should provide, and what your responsibilities are.
