Housing Advice

Links to advice for Landlords and Tenants in the private housing sector.

• Landlord and Tenant Information.  This contains information about private letting in Barrow-in-Furness and links into other websites which provide greater detail.
   
• Tenants' Passport Scheme.  A free service for all landlords, letting agents and tenants in Barrow-in-Furness which enables tenants to demonstrate their suitability for inclusion into the Scheme.  Along with other initiatives it is aimed at improving choices and encouraging responsible letting for all landlords and tenants.
• Multi Occupancy Homes.  An explanation of when a building is classed as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).  Also, the definition of the term 'households' for the purposes of the Housing Act 2004.
   
• Mandatory Licensing.  Barrow Council is responsible for licensing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and their owners to make sure they are in a satisfactory condition, are safe, have satisfactory means of escape from fire, have sufficient bathrooms and kitchens, have adequate space and proper management.
   
• Charges for Enforcement Action.  From July 2008 the Council will make a charge for enforcement action taken under the Housing Act 2004 when risks are identified under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
   
• Local Housing Allowance.  This has significantly changed the way Housing Benefit is calculated and paid and applies to all new tenancies after 7^th April 2008.
   
• Private Landlords Forum.  This page is currently not available.
   
• Safety Inspection.  An outline of the inspection programme for private rented dwellings.
   
• Tenancy Agreement Service.  This website provides general legal information on aspects of housing law in England and Wales.  It focuses on the obligations and rights of landlords and tenants on Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreements.  The website contains a section on the standard agreements, including protection from eviction.

• The Landlord Handbook is produced by the Accreditation Network UK (ANUK) and the Local Geovernment Association (LGA). This is free to download and provides basic advice on all aspects of becoming a landlord.

Related Information