Accommodation certificates

Fitness for human habitation

A home is considered fit for use unless it fails one of the following requirements:

• it is structurally stable
• it is free from serious disrepair
• it is free from dampness prejudicial to the health of the occupants (if any)
• it has adequate provision for lighting, heating and ventilation
• it has an adequate piped supply of wholesome water
• there are satisfactory facilities in the home for the preparation and cooking of food, including a sink with a satisfactory supply of hot and cold water
  it has a suitably located water closet for the exclusive use of the occupants (if any)
• it has, for the exclusive use of the occupants (if any), a suitably located fixed bath or shower and a wash hand basin each of which is provided with a satisfactory supply of hot and cold water
• it has an effective system for the draining of foul water and surface water

If Maidstone Borough Council deems a property to be unfit it will take a suitable course of action to deal with the problem. There are several options available to the council, when dealing with a property:

• a repair notice
• a closing order
• a demolition order, or
• include the property in a clearance area
  Your council will always follow a set of procedures when it has made a decision about an unfit property. If you think you will be affected by an unfit housing decision, you must contact you council directly.