Private sector housing

Over 30,000 Tandridge dwellings are in the private sector. This accounts for approximately 88% of the total housing stock. There is a high level of owner occupation (80%), which is well above the national average (68%). 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

This is the principal legislation applying to the role of the private sector housing service and includes:

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System which allows the council to identify risks associated with poor housing and to take action to improve such housing.

The licensing of multi occupied houses to ensure they meet appropriate standards of repair with adequate amenities

The provision of grant aided adaptations and repairs for low income home owners.

The Private sector housing team can offer a wide variety of services for both tenants and landlords, as well as services for older and vulnerable residents through the Care and Repair (This link will open in a new window) Team.

The way forward

The Council's Housing Strategy 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. 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.

For further information please contact Private Sector Housing on 01883 732838 or e-mail housingprivatesector@tandridge.gov.uk

Or write to us at:
Tandridge District Council
8 Station Road East
Oxted RH8 0BT

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