Private sector housing

Over 29,000 Tandridge dwellings are in the private sector. This accounts for approximately 89% of the total housing stock. There is a high level of owner occupation (80%), which is well above the national average (69%). Approximately 6% of homes are privately rented.

The private sector stock is in a generally good condition. However, a small proportion of homes fall short of modern standards of decency. In these cases, properties have either fallen into a state of unfitness/disrepair or require urgent attention to prevent them from doing so. Such dwellings tend to be 'pepper-potted' throughout the District, although certain areas at sub-Ward level do exhibit higher levels of relative disrepair.

Tandridge has an ageing population with some 20% of residents of pensionable age. A significant proportion of these older owner-occupiers have substantial equity tied up in their homes but, as a result of limited income, have inadequate disposable funds to spend on property maintenance.

The Housing Act 2004 - key implications for Tandridge

The principal legislative changes affecting the role of the private sector housing service within Tandridge are:

• the introduction of a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) to replace the current housing fitness standard;
• mandatory licensing for larger, higher-risk Houses in Multiple Occupation; and
• the introduction of Management Orders whereby a local authority can, as a last resort, take temporary possession of a property and pursue the necessary remedial action to bring it back into 'hazard free' use.

The way forward

The Council's new Private Sector Housing Strategy 2006-09 identifies a number of objectives based on the following key themes:

• remedying unsatisfactory housing conditions
• encouraging an equitable and accessible private rented sector
• bringing empty homes back into use
• improving energy efficiency
• helping vulnerable owner-occupiers to continue to live independently

The Housing Services Management Team will monitor progress against the initiatives contained within the Action Plan on a monthly basis. It is acknowledged that external influences may impact upon our plans and that, consequently, certain targets may need to be amended during the time span of the Strategy. Annual updates will be produced to review and summarise progress and these will indicate any such changes that are deemed necessary.