ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the key definitions of terms, power to obtain information with regard to enforcement, service of notice powers, powers of entry, appeal provisions and charging for enforcement powers. The Housing Act 1985 provisions relating to demolition orders and clearance areas together with those relating to overcrowding continue in force with amendments. Local authorities are required to keep under review the housing conditions in their area with a view to identifying what courses of action are necessary under the Housing Acts 1985–2004. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System of assessing housing conditions was introduced in the Housing Act 2004 and replaced the former system based on the test of fitness for human habitation. If a landlord believes that an energy performance certificate F or G rated property they let qualifies for an exemption from the minimum energy efficiency standard, that exemption must be registered on the PRS Exemptions Register – a self-certification database.
