Private Sector Housing

Unfitness and disrepair

Anyone who owns a house or flat has a responsibility to keep it fit for habitation, in good repair and not to allow its condition to cause a nuisance to others.

A property is considered unfit if it fails to meet one of the following requirements and, by reason of that failure, we consider it not to be reasonably suitable for occupation:

It is structurally stable
It is free from serious disrepair
It is free from dampness prejudicial to the health of the occupants
It has adequate provision for lighting, heating and ventilation
It has an adequate piped supply of wholesome water
There are satisfactory facilities for the preparation and cooking of food, including a sink with a satisfactory supply of hot and cold water
It has a suitably located water-closet for the exclusive use of the occupants
It has, for the exclusive use of the occupants, a suitably located fixed bath or shower and wash-hand basin, each of which is provided with a satisfactory supply of hot and cold water
It has an effective system for the draining of foul, waste and surface water

Changes in legislation

Because of changes in legislation this page is currently under development. For more information, contact Barking and Dagenham Direct by telephone on 020 8215 3002 or by email.