. 

. 

Private Sector Housing

Around 90% of housing in the district is in the private sector, and is either owner occupied or rented from Registered Social Landlords (Housing Associations) or private landlords. Our primary aim is to try to ensure that private sector residents are living in accommodation that is well maintained, safe and warm. In addition, we take action to bring empty homes back into use, administer Disabled Facilities Grants and licence certain Houses in Multiple Occupation.

These aims are achieved by providing advice, financial help and taking enforcement action.

How we can help you

We offer the following services

• Advice and information for Tenants
  Help with finding a home, getting repairs and improvements to your rented property (such as cold and damp) and problems with your landlord (such as being harassed or threatened with eviction)
  
  

• Advice and information for Landlords
  We are working with agents and landlords to provide help and advice to ensure a supply of quality private rented homes and recognise good landlords through the Kent Landord's Accreditation Scheme.
  
  

• Advice and information for Owner Occupiers
  We offer advice, leaflets and information to help you deal with the maintenance and repair of your home including details of Dover's Home Improvement Agency. In certain circumstances we may provide financial help to owners carry out disabled adaptations to their home or to carry out essential repairs and improvements.
  
  

• Empty Homes
  Leaving homes empty is anti social and a wasted asset. Options for owners of empty homes include renting it, repairing it or selling it. If you take no action you risk legal action being taken against you. You can report an empty home here.
  
  

• Living in Shared Accommodation
  If you live in a bedsit, share facilities, e.g. a bathroom or kitchen with other occupants in your house, or live in a flat which is not self contained then you probably live in a house in multiple occupation that may require licensing (known as a HMO).
  
  

• Housing Assistance
  We have a range of housing assistance including Disabled Facilities Grants that are designed to help fund adaptations, repairs and improvements to private dwellings.
  
  

• Energy Advice
  This site will help you manage your energy use and costs. We can show you where to look to check whether you are paying the best rate for your energy supplies.
  
  

• General information, advice and Documents
  This section has links to key private sector documents and strategies, such as the Private Sector Homes Strategy 2010-15 and the Stock Condition Survey 2009, and contains links to useful websites.

Contact

Tel: 01304 872 397

Email: privatesectorhousing@dover.gov.uk