Private Sector Housing

We deal with matters in relation to private sector housing, housing regeneration and the investigation of complaints of unsatisfactory housing conditions.

What is private sector housing?

These are properties which are not owned by public corporations, such as local authorities and housing associations. Occupants include owner-occupiers, lease holders and tenants. Properties can include flats, houses, bedsits, hotels, bed-and-breakfast accommodation, mobile homes and even house-boats.

I rent my house from a private landlord, but he won’t carry out the necessary repairs. What can I do?

If you have already requested repairs to be done, but had no success, report it to our Contact Centre on 01246 242424. We will then contact you, give you advice and if necessary arrange to carry out an inspection of your property.

Any necessary repairs will be identified and we will work with your landlord to ensure they are completed. More detailed information can be downloaded from our website www.bolsover.gov.uk

I own my home but can’t afford to do necessary repairs. Can I get any help?

We can give you advice on the necessary repairs at your home and how you could fund the works. This may include charitable assistance, equity release or small low cost loans.

For more information telephone our Contact Centres on 01246 242424.

The house next door has leaking gutters and is causing damp to my property. What can I do?

You can report the matter to our Contact Centres. We will contact you and advise you on how we can help. We can deal with various public health or nuisance matters, dependant upon legislation, where legislation allows.

We can require certain works to be done and carry out enforcement action where necessary.

I own an empty property, what are my responsibilities?

Above all else we would wish for the property to be used for good and decent accommodation for responsible tenants.

It is recommended that if the property is left empty that you provide any immediate neighbours with your contact details. Any problems can then be reported to you directly to be acted upon.
You should visit the property regularly to ensure the following:

  • it is secure
  • any gardens are maintained to a reasonable standard
  • the external appearance of the house is kept in good order
  • the property is not in a condition so as to cause defects to neighbouring homes .

If you leave the property empty for a long period of time, in certain circumstances we have powers to take over the management of your property or even force you to sell it. More detailed information can be downloaded from our website www.bolsover.gov.uk

I am thinking of renting my home. What should I consider?

There are many laws and obligations if you wish to rent out your home. You can find out your legal rights and obligations if you wish to rent out your property by downloading an information booklet – ‘Thinking about renting out your home’ - from our website www.bolsover.gov.uk

I am a landlord and would like to join the East Midlands Landlord Accreditation Scheme (EMLAS).

How do I join?

We support EMLAS, which is operated by Decent and Safe Homes (DASH). You can join by visiting their website

Our standards are

  • To respond to complaints about disrepair in private rented housing within 7 working days.
  • To respond to complaints about an empty property within 7 working days.
  • To respond to overflowing private drains and sewers within 1 working day and non urgent drainage cases within 7 working days.

January 2015