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

Find out about the government standard on overcrowding

Damp and Mould

Poor heating, insulation and ventilation can increase condensation, a common cause of damp and black mould in the home

Safe, Warm and Secure

Assistance with essential home repairs up to a maximum of £15,000

About Somerset Independence Plus

Who we are and how we can help you

Home safety

We can identify home hazards and assist with resolving safety issues

Physiological Hazards

Physiological hazards include damp and mould growth, excess cold, excess heat, asbestos and manufactured mineral fibres, biocides, carbon monoxide and fuel combustion products, lead, radiation, uncombusted fuel gas, and volatile organic compounds.

Psychological Hazards

Psychological hazards include crowding and space, entry by intruders, lighting and noise.

Somerset Independence Plus

Somerset Independence Plus is a Home Improvement Agency service provided by Somerset Council.

Infection risk

Infection risks include domestic hygiene, pests, refuse, food safety, personal hygiene, sanitation, drainage and water supply.

Disabled Facilities Grants

Adaptations grants are available to make independent living easier to achieve

Accident Hazards

Accident hazards include falls associated with baths, falling on level surfaces, falling associated with stairs and steps, falling between levels, electrical hazards, fire, flames, hot surfaces, collision, entrapment, explosions, position of amenities and structural collapse.

Stairlifts

Stairlift loans are available to help you be independent in your home

Retrofit and energy efficiency

Improvements to your home can help to make it more energy efficient

Contact Somerset Independence Plus

Contact us to apply for our help or for more information

Hoarding

Supportive guidance to reduce the level of clutter in your property

Dealing with home hazards

Tips for reducing home hazards, to ensure a safe and healthy living environment

Partners

Explore our partnerships with key agencies to support Somerset’s community services

Statistics

Records of the help we have provided people

Case studies

Examples of how we have helped people live independently in a safe environment

Home maintenance

Guide for minor repairs, eligibility criteria, and referral process to ensure your home’s safety and comfort

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

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.

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.

Homes for Ukraine housing support

If you are thinking about registering for the Homes for Ukraine scheme,  then we want to offer our support

Rent arrears

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

Mortgage difficulties

Getting the right help if you fall behind on your mortgage is really important

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 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.