Housing standards

The Private Sector Housing team is here to ensure that the residents of Somerset live in homes that are safe, healthy and appropriate for their needs.

Home improvements

Advice on home improvements

Complain about housing conditions

If you live in rented accommodation and are experiencing problems with the condition of your property, you may wish to make a complaint

Overcrowding

Overcrowding is where there are too many people living in a home. The government has set a standard on overcrowding, which is often lower than people think.

Damp and Mould

Condensation is a common problem which may lead to damp and black mould.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to help with disabled facilities, warmth and security

Energy retrofit financial assistance

Help towards the cost of improving energy efficiency in your home

Affordable home ownership

Shared and low-cost home ownership schemes are intended to help people, who could not usually afford to do so, buy a home on the open market.

Homefinder Somerset

Homefinder Somerset is a choice-based lettings scheme for people to apply for social housing in Somerset.

Housing options for older people

There are lots of housing options available for older people depending on your circumstances.

Tenancy exchanges and mutual exchanges

A tenancy exchange is when you swap your home legally with another council or housing association tenant. It is often called a mutual exchange.

Keyring Lettings

KeyRing Lettings offer a free, no obligation, rental appraisal and property advice session

Find a home to rent with a private landlord

How to find a home to rent with a private landlord, why this may be the best option for you, and how we can help

Illegal eviction and harassment

Most private tenants can only be evicted if your landlord has served a valid notice and has been to court to obtain a warrant of eviction to end your tenancy. This applies to everyone who has an Assured Shorthold Tenancy.

Homelessness advice and assistance

What to do if you are homeless or at risk of losing your home.

Duty to refer

Public authorities can make an online referral to us about somebody that is homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Emergency and temporary accommodation

Information about emergency and temporary accommodation provided by us for eligible households that are homeless and in priority need.

Homelessness guidance

Guidance on becoming homeless, the help available, and who qualifies for it

Housing advice for people being released from prison

Housing options and the support you can get if you are being released from prison.

Help for people who are rough sleeping

Find out how you can help somebody that is rough sleeping in Somerset.

Housing advice for people affected by domestic abuse

Housing options and the support you can get if you are affected by domestic abuse.

Housing advice for armed forces veterans

Housing advice for those who have left, or are in the Armed Forces.

Housing advice for care leavers

Housing options and the support you can get from social services if you have spent time in care.

Empty Homes

Somerset Council is committed to helping residents to bring empty homes back into use.

Housing immigration

If you are acting as a sponsor for someone who is making an immigration application to come to the UK, you will have to provide proof that the accommodation is of a suitable standard.

I have moved house

If you have moved house into or within Somerset, please let us know.

Housing fraud

Housing fraud is a crime. Report it here.

Help to live independently

We provide a range of services to help our residents live safely and independently in their homes.

Gardens and boundaries

Advice on garden and boundary issues

Energy efficiency at home

Home energy advice and assistance.

Rent arrears

Take action to deal with rent arrears. You could be evicted if you don't.

Mortgage difficulties

Mortgage arrears don't automatically lead to your home being repossessed. Act quickly and take control before mortgage arrears put your home at risk.

First time buyer loan – Hinkley Housing Zone

Local residents could get financial assistance with purchasing their first home

Tenant deposits

If you are about to or already privately rent from a landlord from 6 April 2007 onwards, your deposit must be put into a tenancy deposit protection (TDP) scheme.

Pay your rent or service charge

You can pay your rent or services charges in a variety of different ways

Housing Strategies and Policies

Strategies and policies relating to the provision of suitable housing and related support

HMO Standards and Regulations

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property occupied by three or more people from more than one household.

HMO Licensing

The Housing Act 2004 made it mandatory for Houses in Multiple Occupation to be licenced. The aim of HMO licensing is to ensure that the highest risk properties in the private rental market are identified, meet legal standards and are properly managed