Amenity Standards for Privately Rented dwellings

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has a commitment to work with landlords, managing agents and tenants to achieve its aim to improve the standards of housing within the private rented sector. In an era where the local demand for Council and social housing outstrips the supply it is becoming increasingly important that private housing provides a decent and safe alternative.

This article an essential guide on the amenity standards for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), the minimum standards for properties that are utilised as short-term and medium-term temporary accommodation and single-family dwellings. It is primarily aimed at the owners, landlords, and managing agents of privately rented dwellings but can also serve as a guide for tenants.

This should be regarded as the Borough Council's policy on amenity standards in privately rented dwellings it should not be regarded as a blanket policy as each property is unique it is not practicable to provide exact and prescribed standards for every property type. The Borough Council will make assessments on a case-by-case basis and are happy to advise landlords accordingly.

The information for this policy has been drawn from legislation, government guidance, the Decent Homes Standard, and what is regarded by Local Authorities as best practice. Definitive interpretation of the legislative requirements can only be made by the relevant court of law or residential property tribunal. The Borough Council aims to update the guidance in this document as and when new legislation and guidance is laid down by Government.

It is advised that this guidance is used in conjunction with the Borough Council's publication Fire Precautions in Dwellings: A guide for landlords and managing agents of private sector housing.