Our Services
With the introduction of the Renters Rights Bill, a Decent Homes Standard (DHS) will be introduced to the private rented sector for the first time. This is to “ensure tenants benefit from homes that are safe and decent”.
The Renters Rights Bill grants new powers to local councils, placing a statutory duty on them to issue a civil penalty of up to £7,000 to landlords who fail to keep their property free from serious hazards. This is intended to incentivise landlords to make sure their properties remain safe and decent. In addition, if a landlord fails to comply with enforcement action, they can be criminally prosecuted, and the tenant or local council can also apply to the First-tier Tribunal for a rent repayment order; the maximum amount of rent that can be repaid is doubling, from 12 months’ to two years’ rent.
Currently, if a rented home is found to be non-compliant, landlords can only be prosecuted by the courts, and it is for a judge to decide on the penalty.
The Renters Rights Bill will have a huge impact on all rented accommodation. Landlords and managing agents will typically need to improve fire safety in their properties as well as ensuring every dwelling is free from hazards.
Any hazards found in the dwelling will be considered breaches of the new legislation and may be subject to a direct fine of up to £7,000 from the Local Authority.
As ex enforcement officers for the Local Authority, we are fully competent to assess hazards under Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and to offer remediation advice. HHSRS is a risk-based evaluation tool to help local authorities identify and protect against potential risks and hazards to health and safety from any deficiencies identified in dwellings. The assessment method focuses on the hazards that are present in housing. Tackling these hazards will make housing healthier and safer to live in.
Assessments from: £150.
Decent Home Assessments
Do you own a small business?
If so, it is essential for you to secure a comprehensive written fire risk assessment.
Are you the responsible person? If so, you are legally obligated to ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and maintained.
The Home Office is implementing mandatory competency requirements that require fire risk assessors to be independently verified by a UKAS-accredited certification body and monitored by a regulatory authority.
Many individuals mistakenly believe that having an overarching fire risk assessment from their landlord ensures compliance. However, this is not true. The responsibility for conducting a fire risk assessment lies with the person who operates the business on a daily basis. Your landlord may not be familiar with your specific operational procedures, including those related to fire risk management, which are crucial components of an effective fire risk assessment.
We can offer our services to the persons responsible for small commercial or holiday premises.
Assessments from: £175.
Fire Risk Assessments
HMO Consultancy
We are excited to introduce our HMO consultancy service for any person or agency who have an interest in HMOs. Regardless of whether an HMO is licensed; compliance with the fire safety, and amenity requirements remain critical.
From our extensive experience in licensing Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), we have gained valuable insights into effective strategies. While a property may comply with all legislative requirements, including Cornwall Council’s Amenity Standard, issues can still emerge due to the layout and design of the property. We have encountered numerous cases where the arrangement of space and amenities has led to challenges. Our expertise allows us to provide guidance on how to navigate these potential pitfalls and optimize your property for success.
We can provide tailored advice and guidance, whether through floor plan assessments or on-site property visits.
Digital Assessments from: £60.
On-Site Assessments from £150.
Contact Us
Interested in booking an assessment, or just want more information, please use the form to contact us.