Private Sector Housing

The Private Sector Housing team works to maintain good standards of housing, and to improve poor housing conditions in West Devon.  Poor housing can cause ill-health as well as affecting comfort and well-being.  We aim to ensure that private housing in West Devon is safe to live in, has sufficient and adequate amenities, including kitchen and toilet facilities, and meets any government standards.

We provide free help and advice and, where necessary, enforce the law on housing standards.  Please see below for some information on how we can help you, and for more detailed information please refer to the Useful Information section or the relevant page link on the left.

Housing Standards

• The Housing Act 2004 introduced the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which is a new way of assessing the condition of all houses with a view to identifying hazards to occupants. 
• If you have any concerns regarding the condition of your home, our private sector housing team can offer advice, and if necessary we will visit and investigate.

Houses in Multiple Occupation

• A house in multiple occupation, or HMO, includes a building or flat where two or more households share basic amenities.
• We carry out programmed inspections to make sure they are safe, have adequate facilities, and have proper means of escape in case of fire.
• Some larger HMOs are required to apply for a licence and meet government standards; our private sector housing team administers these licences.

Empty Properties

• We offer advice to owners of empty properties, and work with owners to help bring these properties back into use.
• Our Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy includes Loan Fund Assistance to encourage and assist owners of non-decent empty properties to bring their properties back into use. 

Housing Grants & Loans

• We provide mandatory grants to assist with the adaptation of homes for people with disabilities.
• We may be able to assist you with access to financial help (for example specialist grants or loans) for improvements/repairs to help those in substantial need to remain comfortably in their homes

Energy Efficiency

• In partnership with Energy Action Devon we aim to make homes warmer and safer by providing advice on energy efficiency in the home; some insulation works are available at low cost or in some cases for free.