We recognise that poor quality housing can have an impact on the health of the occupants and on the quality of life in an area. The main responsibility for maintenance of a property lies with the homeowner, however, some homeowners, particularly the elderly and most vulnerable, do not have the necessary resources to keep their homes in good repair. We provide assistance in these cases and also promote private sector renewal and to ensure that privately rented accommodation is safe and suitable.

Details of the help available is set out below:

Assistance to owner-occupiers and tenants

Minor works grant
A small grant of up to £2,000 is available to carry out eligible works. The grant is intended to remedy serious defects, which ensure the health and safety of the occupants, or to fund adaptations, which it would not be reasonable to assist under the Disabled Facilities Grant. The maximum grant is £2,000 in any three-year period. Applicants will need to be over 60 or have a long-term disability and, in either case, be in receipt of a means-tested benefit (excluding family tax credits).
Examples of work, which may be considered for Minor Works Grants, include:

• Repairs
  • Repair/renewal of windows/doors/ceilings, which are in an unsafe condition
  • Repairs to unsafe electrical installation
  • Repair/renewal of other essential services, including hot water and heating
• Adaptations
  
  • Works to promote access to and around the home, including grab/hand rails etc.
  • Energy efficiency measures
  • Limited solar lighting
• Home Security Measures
  • Replacement door locks
  • Door chains and in viewers

Renovation grants
Grants will be offered, which are to be repaid upon the future sale of the property. The maximum grant is £12,000 and applicants have to satisfy a means test. Eligible works include:

• Essential repairs and improvements
• Affordable warmth measures
• Works to make the dwelling decent

All applicants must have lived in the dwelling as their only or main residence throughout a qualifying period of at least twelve months; and either the property must be in Council Tax Band E or below; or be unfit for human habitation.

Renewable technology loans
We actively encourage the use of renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. In order to develop this initiative and encourage further take up of renewable technology, interest free loans are available to assist with the cost of installation of such technology. Loans of 50% of the cost of eligible works, up to a maximum of £3,000, to be repaid over 5 years, are available.
Eligible works include:

• Solar heat – provision of a solar panel hot water system in accordance with the Council’s specification
• Solar power – provision of solar PV unit and ancillary works in accordance with our specification
• Wind turbines
• Ground source heat pumps

 

Assistance to landlords

Financial assistance for landlords is also available.

 

Further details are contained in our full Home Improvement Policy [PDF] (513k).

 

Community Care
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444302
Email: privatesectorservices3@guildford.gov.uk