Housing Standards

Torbay Council is committed to improving the quality of life of residents in the area. The provision of housing accommodation that is safe, warm and secure is an essential requirement for occupiers and our corporate strategy is directed towards achieving satisfactory conditions.

The Housing Standards Team has built up good working relations with Social Services, the Care Trust ,Occupational Therapists, the Fire Authority and Police in identifying those persons in need of improved conditions. Vulnerable persons such as the elderly or infirm may be at greatest risk requiring individual assessment and assistance.

We deal with all types of housing including flats and mobile homes. The monitoring and improvement of standards in houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) is a main priority area. Some HMOs and landlords need to have a licence and these properties should be well managed.

More recently, the council have co-operated in conjunction with the Police, in an initiative to raise awareness of both owners and occupiers of basic precautions to reduce risk of burglaries and theft. We also can help anybody improve the security of their home if they are vulnerable or have been a victim of burglary.

We regularly carry out a house condition survey across the Bay to give us a clear idea of the problems that exist. This helps us target resources to improve areas that need it most. The latest survey was completed in 2006.

Grants

The following types of grant are available:-

major and minor works for the improvement or repair of houses or flats. This is available to both owner/occupiers and landlords. It is intended to make a dwelling reasonably suitable for occupation and can rectify dampness, dangerous wiring and provide basic heating. All properties should meet the ‘decent homes’ standard on completion of works
fire safety and basement assistance for the improvement or repair of the common parts of buildings containing flats. It can be useful for inadequate fire safety in poorly converted fats
Empty property and energy efficiency assistance to improve private rented accommodation or to bring disused space into residential use
Relocation assistance for disabled people to move to more suitable accommodation in exceptional circumstances
Disabled facilities grants are given to help adapt homes for disabled persons. This involves specialist discussion with the Occupational Therapist on the essential works required for the needs of the person.

The aim of the grant scheme is to provide financial help for those who can least afford to pay for works to their properties. Owner/occupiers are subject to a means test to determine their contribution towards the scheme. Owners should have lived in their homes for three years to qualify for grant and should intend to continue living there for the next five years

Please contact us on: 01803 208717 for further information or to request grant forms