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Housing within the private sector


The Private Sector Housing Service deals with all housing which is not owned by the the council. This includes privately rented accommodation, owner occupied properties and housing association owned properties.

Approximately 85% of Guildford’s residents live in the private sector and of this approximately 12% live in privately rented accommodation. The council has an important role to play in encouraging owners to maintain their homes and eliminate hazards which might affect the occupiers. Due to the increasing demand on affordable housing the private rented sector is integral to achieving sustainable and thriving communities. It is our intention to work with private landlords to give our residents greater housing choice and to raise the standard of private rented accommodation.

Key functions
Our main priorities for private sector housing are to:

  • Reduce disrepair in private homes and reduce the number of non-decent homes
  • Provide financial and other assistance to elderly or disabled persons or residents on low incomes to improve their living conditions
  • Ensure all houses in multiple occupation (HMO) meet relevant standards
  • Reduce the number of long term empty properties
  • Influence private landlords to provide good standards of accommodation which is properly managed at affordable rents
  • Improve energy efficiency in residential accommodation and to encourage the take up of renewable energy sources

Services for private landlords and tenants

  • Advice on a range of property and tenancy related matters
  • Investigation of complaints relating to property conditions
  • Houses in multiple occupation and application of standards
  • Grants for energy efficiency and to bring long term empty properties back into use

Services for home owners

  • Advice and financial assistance towards repairs, improvements, adaptations and energy efficiency for householders or members of their families.
  • Assistance from the Care and Repair agency to help elderly or disabled residents to live more independently in their own homes.
  • A handyperson service to carry out minor repairs and fit safety and security equipment

Private Sector Housing Team
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444302
Fax: 01483 444844
Email: privatesectorhousing@guildford.gov.uk

 

Page last modified on 05/10/2007
Address: Guildford Borough Council, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4BB Telephone: 01483 505050